I’m Sophie Vodvarka, a Chicago-based freelance writer, communications consultant and adjunct instructor at Loyola University Chicago where I teach courses in journalism, ethics, and public speaking.
With nearly two decades of professional communications and journalism work in the U.S. and abroad, I offer organizations and individuals a wide range of expertise. I enjoy copywriting work as well as freelance reporting. I also love creative writing and invite more collaborative projects with clients!
Read more about my experience on my About Me page and visit my Contact & Collaborate page for additional details on my professional support!
Ready to collaborate? Send me an inquiry at contact@sophievodvarka.com
Check out some of my favorite work below!
Travel Essay: A Picnic in Paris
On our walk back from the cemetery, I noticed a small, lovely market. We hadn’t eaten much that day (pain au raisin and café au lait for me) so we stopped to see what looked good. The weather was fine that day, and we had a free late afternoon, so I suggested we buy some bread,…
Magazine Feature Article: Chicago Ministry Lives out Call to Restorative Justice
One local ministry brings restorative justice, asset-based community development and creative outlets to Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood.
Newspaper Feature Article: La Tosca creates soulful fusion of European nostalgia
The combination of Pielok’s expert violin with Falcone’s self-taught accordion and vocals brings energy full of both whimsy and depth. Falcone’s voice, joyful accordion and classic Italian hand gestures bring the party, while Pielok’s violin is soulful and at times heart-wrenching. Falcone said La Tosca has “a mission to keep alive the life stories of…
Newspaper Feature Article: Billboards Promote Women’s Equality in the Catholic Church
Nobel Peace Prize nominee, relentless anti-war advocate, free-thinker, and feminist Roy Bourgeois spearheaded a campaign to bring the women’s ordination movement in the Catholic Church to some of the most conservative dioceses in the U.S. It was a group effort, and it was a blast to report on.
Newspaper Feature Article Series: Reporting on Abuse in the Catholic Church
National Catholic Reporter published two articles I am proud to share about women who experienced abuse in the Catholic Church: New report details 44 accounts of alleged abuse by David Haas & the follow-up article, St. Catherine’s report sparks calls for accountability from survivors of alleged abuse by David Haas. This reporting is some of…
Media Relations & Content Marketing: The West Side Arts Scene
I’ve been doing substantial writing & media relations work recently at the Kehrein Center for the Arts. I’m glad to share two recent pieces: Africa Out West Embodies Diasporic West African Traditions in Feast of Drum & Dance & a press release: Grand Unveiling of Mural “Everybody’s Welcome” Honored Black Artists and Austin Community. I…
Media Relations & Content Marketing: International Corporate Clients
Writing articles & press releases for international clients has been a great education. Check out my work for Toronto-based home healthcare company Qualicare Home Care & my coverage inaugural conference for global event leaders here: ELX Annual Congress.
Newspaper Feature Articles: Vintage Krakow Post!
What fun to find old newspaper articles from my time living in Krakow in the spring of 2011! Check out a few articles written during my Poland year: Drop in: The Kiełbasa Van This piece is from the August 2011 edition of the Krakow Post, Poland’s English-language newspaper. August 2, 2011 On a dark street near the…
Sophie Vodvarka Chicago-Based Freelance Writer 