VVFI is proud to announce the February, 2025 Mentor is Sophia Yvette Ivory. 

Sophia is a proud Christian mom of three and a native of Amory, MS. She spent her formative years in Gary, IN and graduated magna cum laude from Thee Grambling State University where she majored in Physics and Electronics Engineering Technology. Next, she graduated summa cum laude from American Intercontinental University with a Master of Business Administration.

Her career spans 20 years as a systems engineer that builds fighter airplanes. She has worked on high profile programs like F35, F22, F16, EMAARS, & AMNS. Currently she works for Raytheon. Prior to Raytheon she worked for Lockheed Martin and L3 Harris. She has held several roles as Sustainment Engineer, Failure Reporting & Corrective Action Lead, Lead Systems Engineer, Integrated Product Team Lead, and Control Account Manager. 

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her kids. Her son Anthony is 10 years old in the 6th grade and is an excellent scholar-athlete in football, track, and basketball. Her oldest daughter Zora earned an associates degree in acting by age 19 and her middle daughter Zie graduated high school at 16. Zie is a 17 year old cheerleader and ROTC cadet in her sophomore year at Grambling State University majoring in Biochemistry and Biophysics. Zora is a business major also at Grambling State University.

Ms. Ivory is very grateful for God's many blessings, and happy to partner with VVFI to support the next generation of STEM professionals.

Join VVFI online Feb. 1st at 12 PM CT / 1 PM ET to learn more about Sophia's academic and professional journal.