Biography

Sophie Donnellan is passionate about the intersection of climate change, human rights and international security. Prior to joining the Alaska Venture Fund, Sophie worked as a Deckhand, Program Assistant and Medical Officer on Sea Education Association’s tall ships on several science-focused sailing expeditions. Her time living on ocean waters and working with coastal communities vulnerable to climate change motivated her commitment to building a resilient future climate. She graduated from Stanford University in 2025, where she received a BA in International Relations with a concentration on environmental policy and Honors in International Security Studies.

As Alaska Venture Fund’s Climate Impact Fellow, a position hosted through the Alaska Fellows Program, Sophie focuses on projects spanning wildfire resilience, climate stabilization and nature based solutions. She is excited to be a part of efforts to lead the charge on climate policy in Alaska, a state that is both vulnerable to climate change and offers promising solutions for a sustainable future.

Sophie lives on Dena’ina land in Anchorage and enjoys playing traditional Irish music, exploring the outdoors and creative writing.