Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Sofia Elizabeth Raymond |
| Date of birth | October 23, 2000 |
| Birthplace | New York, United States |
| Parents | Soledad O’Brien (journalist, producer) and Bradley “Brad” Raymond (investment banker) |
| Siblings | Cecilia (b. 2002); Charles (b. 2004); Jackson (b. 2004) |
| Education | Westminster School (2015–2019); Barnard College, BA Political Science (Economics specialization), cum laude (2020–2023) |
| Early interests | Horseback riding; community engagement |
| Current role | Rotational Associate, TIAA (since 2023) |
| Focus areas | Marketing, communications, DEI initiatives |
| Notable appearances | Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame Gala (2023); TIAA Institute features on Gen Z work and retirement (2024) |
| Social presence | Limited; private accounts and sparse public posts |
| Distinction | Eldest daughter of Soledad O’Brien; building a career at the intersection of media, marketing, and social impact |
Early Life and Education
Sofia Elizabeth Raymond grew up in a household where curiosity was currency and service a family sport. Born on October 23, 2000, in New York, she is the eldest of four children in a close-knit family shaped by journalism, finance, and a multicultural heritage. Her early years were marked by an emphasis on education and engagement—principles that would guide her through adolescence and into her career.
In 2015, Sofia enrolled at Westminster School, following in the footsteps of family members with ties to the institution. She has described arriving as “truly terrified” and wary of change, yet those first tremors gave way to confidence and belonging. By April 26, 2019, she delivered a reflective chapel speech—evidence of growth in voice and poise—before graduating later that year.
She entered Barnard College in 2020, a period defined by the shifts of a global pandemic and new academic demands. Majoring in Political Science with a specialization in Economics, she graduated in 2023 with cum laude honors and a 3.8 GPA. Cross-registration at Columbia provided additional academic breadth; the liberal arts rigor at Barnard sharpened her analytic lens, preparing her for roles that require both qualitative insight and quantitative awareness.
A Family of Achievers: The Raymond–O’Brien Lineage
Sofia’s family story blends migration, scholarship, and public service—a lineage where achievement feels both natural and hard-won. Her mother, Soledad O’Brien, is a celebrated journalist and producer known for telling nuanced stories on race, identity, and power, and for encouraging her children to “jump” in when help is needed. Her father, Brad Raymond, is an investment banker whose career in finance offers a complementary vantage point on strategy and markets.
Her siblings—Cecilia (b. 2002) and twins Charles and Jackson (b. 2004)—appear with her at family events, projecting the picture of a tight, supportive unit. Maternal grandparents Estela (an Afro-Cuban French and English teacher from Havana) and Edward (an Australian mechanical engineering professor of Irish-Scottish descent) passed away in 2019, leaving a legacy of education and resilience. The extended maternal family includes lawyers, physicians, and a law professor—an atlas of professional excellence that maps onto Sofia’s own trajectory.
Core Family Snapshot
| Name | Relation | Profession/Notes | Year of birth (if known) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soledad O’Brien | Mother | Journalist, producer, host of “Matter of Fact,” foundation founder | 1966 |
| Bradley “Brad” Raymond | Father | Investment banker, co-head at Stifel | — |
| Cecilia Raymond | Sister | Frequent event companion; college-age | 2002 |
| Charles Raymond | Brother (twin) | Student; family appearances | 2004 |
| Jackson Raymond | Brother (twin) | Student; family appearances | 2004 |
| Estela Lucrecia Marquetti y O’Brien | Maternal grandmother | Educator (French/English); Havana-born; deceased | — (d. 2019) |
| Edward Ephrem O’Brien | Maternal grandfather | Mechanical engineering professor; deceased | — (d. 2019) |
| Cecilia O’Brien Vega | Maternal aunt | Corporate lawyer | 1961 |
| Estela O’Brien Ogiste | Maternal aunt | Eye surgeon | 1964 |
| Maria O’Brien | Maternal aunt | Law professor | 1960 |
| Orestes O’Brien | Maternal uncle | Anesthesiologist | 1967 |
| Tony (Antonio) O’Brien | Maternal uncle | Business in documents | 1962 |
Career Development: Marketing, Communications, and DEI
Sofia’s professional path is marked by rotations and internships that compound into a coherent narrative: storytelling with impact, grounded in data and diversity. Before college, she researched for a U.S. Senate campaign (Jaime Harrison), signaling an early interest in civic life and electoral communication. In 2021, she moved into marketing with Be Nola—Black Education for New Orleans—aligning creative work with community uplift.
From there, she served as Production and Research Assistant at Soledad O’Brien Productions through January 2023, learning how narratives are shaped, polished, and packaged for broadcast and digital distribution. Brief but meaningful stops as a DEI Intern at The Recording Academy and a PR Intern at Coyne PR (starting June 2023) added skills in stakeholder engagement, message discipline, and inclusive programming.
Since 2023, Sofia has been a Rotational Associate at TIAA, including a rotation with Nuveen Retirement Solutions in marketing. The role has widened her aperture: retirement literacy, financial wellness, and the generational shifts in career trajectories. Her contributions to TIAA Institute content—spotlighting Gen Z perspectives on work, purpose, and retirement—position her as an emerging voice translating youth sentiment into institutional insight. The work is early-stage but promising: practical, audience-focused, and informed by both qualitative narratives and quantitative trends.
Financially, there are no public disclosures, and that’s unsurprising for a professional at this career stage. The signal to watch is not net worth—it’s the arc of assignments, the accumulation of cross-functional skills, and the momentum she’s building in marketing and DEI-centered communication.
Public Appearances and Media Footprint
Sofia maintains a light digital footprint—more whisper than shout. She appears at family and industry events, including the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame Gala in 2023, often alongside her sister. In 2024, she was featured in TIAA Institute content discussing how Gen Z reimagines careers and retirement, a theme that echoes her own path through rotational roles and value-driven internships.
On social media, her accounts are limited and private; public posts are sparse. YouTube offers the clearest window: a 2019 Westminster chapel speech that captures her voice at 18—measured, reflective, and readying for the leap to college. Beyond that, glimpses come via family appearances tied to her mother’s public profile. The throughline is discretion: professional presence without performative visibility.
Selected Timeline
| Year | Age | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 | Born in New York on October 23 |
| 2015 | 14–15 | Begins at Westminster School |
| 2019 | 18–19 | Delivers chapel speech (April 26); graduates Westminster |
| 2020 | 19–20 | Enrolls at Barnard College (Political Science, Economics specialization) |
| 2021 | 20–21 | Marketing intern, Be Nola |
| 2022 | 21–22 | Continues media/DEI-focused work; horseback riding features in family posts |
| Jan 2023 | 22 | Concludes role at Soledad O’Brien Productions |
| Jun 2023 | 22 | Starts PR internship at Coyne PR; joins TIAA as Rotational Associate |
| 2023 | 22–23 | Barnard graduation, cum laude (3.8 GPA) |
| 2023 | 22–23 | Appears at Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame Gala |
| 2024 | 23–24 | Features in TIAA Institute content on Gen Z work and retirement perspectives |
FAQ
Who is Sofia Elizabeth Raymond?
She is a marketing and communications professional and the eldest daughter of journalist Soledad O’Brien and investment banker Bradley Raymond.
When was she born?
She was born on October 23, 2000, in New York.
Where did she go to school?
She attended Westminster School (2015–2019) and graduated from Barnard College in 2023 with a BA in Political Science (Economics specialization), cum laude.
What does she do professionally?
She works as a Rotational Associate at TIAA, with experience spanning marketing, DEI initiatives, media production, and public relations.
What internships has she completed?
Her roles include a U.S. Senate campaign research internship, marketing at Be Nola, production/research at Soledad O’Brien Productions, DEI at The Recording Academy, and PR at Coyne PR.
Is she active on social media?
Her social media presence is limited and mostly private, with minimal public activity.
What are her interests outside of work?
She has shown an interest in horseback riding and community-oriented projects.
Does she have any public romantic relationships?
No public details exist about her romantic life; she keeps personal matters private.
How is she connected to TIAA Institute content?
She has contributed to TIAA Institute features that explore Gen Z perspectives on careers and retirement.
Who are her siblings?
She has a younger sister, Cecilia (born 2002), and twin brothers, Charles and Jackson (born 2004).
