Sophie Leppanen
About Sophie Leppanen
Sophie Leppanen serves as the Farm Discovery Program Manager at Organic Valley, where she has worked since 2016. She is also a contracted violinist with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra and has a background in sustainable farming and environmental studies.
Work at Organic Valley
Sophie Leppanen has been employed at Organic Valley since 2013, currently holding the position of Farm Discovery Program Manager. In this role, she manages the marketing farm tour program, integrating marketing initiatives into program planning. She collaborates with project teams to organize visits to membership farms for various stakeholders, including retailers, distributors, brokers, consumers, employees, partner organizations, and media. Her experience at Organic Valley spans over 11 years, contributing to the company's mission of promoting sustainable farming practices.
Education and Expertise
Sophie Leppanen studied at Lawrence University from 2006 to 2011, where she earned a Bachelor of Music, a Bachelor of Arts, and studied Biology and Environmental Studies. This educational background provides her with a strong foundation in both the arts and sciences, which informs her work in sustainable agriculture and marketing at Organic Valley. Her expertise is further enhanced by her experience as a project coordinator for a sustainable farmers network in northeast Wisconsin.
Background
Before joining Organic Valley, Sophie Leppanen worked as an administrative assistant for a local foods distributor. This position allowed her to gain insights into the local food system, which she later applied in her roles at Organic Valley. Additionally, she has a background in music as a contracted violinist for the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra and chamber groups, including Voices of the Baroque, showcasing her diverse skill set.
Professional Experience
Sophie Leppanen has accumulated significant professional experience in the field of sustainable agriculture and marketing. Prior to her current role at Organic Valley, she served as a project coordinator for a sustainable farmers network, where she facilitated connections among farmers and stakeholders. Her experience in administrative support and project coordination has equipped her with the skills necessary to effectively manage programs and collaborate with diverse teams.