Today we’d like to introduce you to Sofia Lavarello.
Hi Sofia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My name is Sofia Lavarello, I am Argentine and at 28 years old I decided to emigrate to the United States in search of new job opportunities. In Argentina, I was doing very well, but I also decided that I wanted something more and for that reason, I migrated. Migrating allowed me to leave my comfort zone completely. I had to learn to deal with new problems, and new people and adapt to a new environment.
It was very difficult to be away from my family, especially during the first year. But I was always determined that that’s what I wanted to do. With a background in football, I have gained valuable experience through various roles that have allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the sport. I have had the privilege of working as a communication consultant for FIFA where I was able to cover massive sports events such as the FWC Qatar 2022 and the U-20 FWC 2023 in Argentina.
Additionally, I have worked as a sports journalist with ESPN covering the US Open 2021 and several UFC dates. I also worked as a sports journalist being the first woman to broadcast the Copa Libertadores for Facebook Watch in Latin America for Fox Sports. This was an incredible experience. It allows me to grow a lot professionally and personally.
I am a native Spanish speaker with exceptional communication skills in both English and Spanish. I hold a master’s degree in Journalism and have over ten years of experience in sports broadcasting, covering various football leagues and international tournaments. My expertise includes conducting interviews, delivering insightful analysis, and presenting engaging content to viewers. I am confident that my background and linguistic abilities will allow me to effectively connect with Spanish-speaking audiences and provide them with a memorable viewing experience.
Working in a World Cup was one the best experiences I ever had. It was super hard work because I went for 40 days to Qatar but It helped me to grow in every aspect. I love my job and I love the adrenaline that every tournament gives me. Being in sports as a woman is not easy but every day there are more opportunities to grow. I hope I can work in every tournament that comes in order to continue growing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey in the sports world wasn’t easy. I started at a very young age in a male-dominated environment, but over time, I forged my own personality and was able to grow alongside them. Working in such a challenging and talented environment allowed me to grow rapidly. Everyone I worked with taught me to be better. They instilled in me a passion for hard work, perseverance to achieve my goals, and the commitment to strive every day.
I am grateful to have crossed paths with such talented individuals who left an indelible mark on my path. It’s clear that being so young and having to work hard, I missed out on trips with friends and family, which was difficult to understand at the time. However, over the years, I realized that all that effort would lead me to the realization of my dreams and goals.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have a degree in communication with a master’s in journalism. My specialization is in sports, where I spent the majority of my career. I started out as a production assistant at one of the largest sports television production companies in Latin America until I became the first woman to produce matches for Facebook Watch in the Copa Libertadores.
This was a significant milestone in my career, as football matches were typically only broadcast on television, and at that moment, they began to be available on other platforms. Additionally, it was the first time a woman’s voice was heard in such transmissions. On the other hand, something I am very proud of is having worked for FIFA. Alongside them, I covered the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 U-20 World Cup, something unimaginable for that little girl who dreamed of working in the sports world.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes, I learned that this work can also be done from our homes. This had never been thought of before, and I believe that while it is a profession that requires being on-site, we can also adapt to handle it in the best possible way.
The pandemic came to teach us that we are humans who can adapt to whatever situation arises. I think it came to unsettle us a bit. What we thought was impossible, we suddenly realized was possible, and we managed to adapt to a new world that presented itself at that moment.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofialavarello/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-lavarello-24089666/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sofia_lavarello
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ANiBZXoknqKT8t_Kdhpgg
