40 Under 40: Sophia Apostolidis

Sophia Apostolidis will be stationed overseas at the end of the summer in the Air Force in a position in finance. She currently works as an Office Assistant for the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at Central Washington University. She lives in Ellensburg currently. 

Apostolidis graduated in 2024 from Central Washington University. She started her education in dietetics but switched to economics after one quarter. A significant opportunity that helped Apostolides enhance her professional skills was participating in a geography research project led by Bowen. This project included an economics component that became highly engaging for Apostolides and her peers.

“The work involved a lot of critical thinking, and we got to use our economics knowledge in an entirely different application,” she stated in a press release from CWU. “The work we did was really interesting, and it helped prepare us for what we’re going to be doing in our careers.”

Apostolides mentioned that she is keeping her options open after completing active duty, considering a career as a financial manager, or pursuing a graduate degree. She feels a strong connection to the Air Force, especially after being selected for the highly competitive Commanders In College Scholarship in 2021. Apostolides was also a Senior Cadet of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps during her time in school.  

Beyond the Air Force and academics, Apostolides has been actively involved in ministry during her three-plus years in Ellensburg. She joined Chestnut Street Baptist Church in her freshman year, serving as a student leader and office assistant. Apostolides leads a weekly Bible study group and will work in the church office through the summer.