ALDERSON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – For Sophie Youngs, creating equitable learning environments isn’t a job description — it’s a lifelong commitment. Known as an “Inclusive Learning Architect,” Youngs has built her career around one central belief: every learner deserves the chance to succeed, whether in a kindergarten classroom or a corporate boardroom.
Youngs’ determination is rooted deeply in her personal life. As the mother of two boys on the autism spectrum, she understands firsthand the gaps, frustrations, and victories that come with navigating systems not built for every type of mind. That experience fuels her advocacy, shaping her mission to ensure students and adults of all abilities are recognized, supported, and provided learning environments where they can truly thrive.
Her professional path reflects that purpose. Youngs began as a middle school educator before moving into district leadership, where she headed a tech-driven instructional coaching program that supported more than 100 teachers. When the pandemic disrupted traditional instruction, she leaned into innovation rather than uncertainty. Her skill in designing accessible digital learning experiences quickly gained attention — ultimately leading to her recruitment by a global EdTech company, where she created its first professional learning playbook and internal curriculum.
Youngs pairs her on-the-ground experience with a strong academic foundation. She holds Master’s degrees in Instructional Design & Technology and in Digital Media, New Literacies, & Learning, and she is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Leadership. At the core of her work is a commitment to Universal Design for Learning (UDL)— a research-backed framework she uses to dismantle rigid “one-size-fits-all” systems that often leave diverse learners behind.
She’s quick to credit those who helped shape her journey, especially mentors Dr. Deb Hemler and Dr. Vicky Cline, who she says sparked her passion for technology integration and demonstrated the power of servant leadership.
When asked how she navigates an industry that often resists change, Youngs returns to a simple mantra: ask questions. For her, inquiry isn’t a challenge — it’s a catalyst. “Questions bring clarity. They open doors. They create understanding,” she says. “Curiosity is what leads us to possibility.” It’s the advice she shares with emerging women leaders in education: stay anchored to your purpose, not your job title.
Whether she’s speaking at national conferences, designing training for Fortune 500 teams, or helping a single student re-engage with learning, Youngs works from an unshakeable belief that every learner deserves a fair shot at success. Her mission goes beyond improving classrooms. She’s working to change the culture of learning itself — intentionally, passionately, and one step at a time.
Learn more about Sophie Youngs:
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Influential Women profile: https://influentialwomen.com/connect/sophia-youngs
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Website: https://levelupwithsophie.com/
