Founder & CEO, Papilia

Sophia Hyder Hock is the Founder and CEO of Papilia, a company committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion practices for destinations, travel organizations, and content creators. She integrates human-centered design methodologies to empower her clients to be thoughtful thinkers, leaders, and travelers through a greater understanding of diverse perspectives and communication styles.

As an international yoga instructor, mindfulness mediation instructor, and yoga life coach, Sophia incorporates wellness ideologies into all her tailored strategies and training curriculum as a holistic way to build confidence, increase staff retention rates, and optimize business performance. She has designed and led innovative diversity and inclusion programs for resorts, cruises, and specialty travel companies around the world, with a primary purpose to harness the strength of human connection for powerful personal and professional growth.

Sophia has also played an integral part in designing the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Standards for Travel and Tourism and co-facilitates the Certified Diversity Travel Professional (CDTP) program with Travel Unity.

Prior to starting Papilia, Sophia was an international development professional working on economic growth, sustainability, and gender empowerment initiatives in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Sophia received her Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Affairs and South Asian Studies from the University of Virginia and her Master’s Degree in International Development Policy and Applied Economics from Duke University.