Sophia's Story
Running for Educational Justice
Sophia with her mentor Lynne Sullivan, the Regional Manager of PGP in Massachusetts
"Petey Greene completely changed my life in so many ways. It showed me the power of transformative education."
Having grown up in London, Sophia Christodoulou, knew little about the American carceral system. She learned about it as an undergraduate at Tufts University, where she volunteered to tutor with The Petey Greene Program.
In the halls of the Department of Youth Services, Sophia met students who had been caught in a system that often offers little in the way of opportunity. Yet, in those classrooms, she witnessed something extraordinary. Education became a bridge—a way to connect, inspire, and transform.
"You're not just coming in to fill out a worksheet. You are there to support [the student] as a whole person."
One student, initially reluctant to write, found his voice through rap. Sophia turned a mundane assignment into a creative outlet, and his excitement was infectious. By the end of their sessions, he had crafted a rap performance that brought joy and laughter to the room. It was a moment that encapsulated the essence of what we do at Petey Greene—seeing students as more than their circumstances and helping them see themselves in their education
Before Petey Greene, Sophia had never been inside a prison or met someone who had been incarcerated. Her curiosity led her to volunteer, but it was the stories and resilience of the students that fueled her passion and set her on a path towards advocacy. She learned that education is not just a second chance; for many, it's the first real opportunity to reclaim their future.
These experiences have shaped Sophia's career path. Now, as a social worker in London, she works with at-risk youth, aiming to intercept the school-to-prison pipeline before it begins. The lessons from the Petey Greene Program guide her daily, reminding her of the power of support and the importance of being that one person who asks, "What's going on?"
Running for a Cause
Running has become another avenue for advocacy. In 2025, Sophia will be running the New York City Marathon as part of the Petey Greene Program team. It's more than just a race; it's a testament to the power of perseverance and community. Each step is a reminder of the students who have taught er about resilience and the transformative power of education.
Be Part of the Change. Sponsor Sophia’s NYC Marathon Campaign
The Petey Greene Program is grateful to Sophia and the other runners for their commitment to educational justice.
Your support can help amplify her efforts, bringing awareness to the structural inequities within the carceral system and providing educational opportunities to those who need it most.
Donate Today to Support Sophia’s Fundraising Efforts
Sophia invites you to support her cause. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about the Petey Greene Program.