Sofia’s journey in self-defense began at thirteen, when she earned a 1st-Degree Black Belt in Mu Sool Won after seven years of dedicated training. Her foundation in martial arts expanded into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and eventually into concealed carry, weapons-based grappling, and real-world preparedness.

On social media, Sofia documents her journey in competitive shooting, personal protection, and gear testing- sharing the training she undergoes and the tools she trusts. In other words, she shares what fits for her (@fit4fia).

As an instructor, Sofia has received training through NRA, Rangemaster, and by assisting Lena Miculek in delivering instruction at ROSE by Sig Sauer events hosted during Shoot SIG weekends. Now she instructs under her own training brand, Shield Defense Training, at her home range at TNT Guns and Range just outside Salt Lake City, Utah.

In her instruction, Sofia emphasizes a holistic approach to personal safety, starting with situational awareness, verbal de-escalation, creating space, and implementing non-lethal tools like pepper spray, and then finally the use of a concealed carry weapon. With her Master’s Degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sofia also heavily advocates for physical health as a critical part of self-defense.

To meet the evolving needs of women in the concealed carry space, Sofia released the Sofia Bag by Zendira—a premium leather hybrid carry bag designed for both style and function. She now teaches hybrid carry strategies, blending off-body methods with traditional inside-the-waistband techniques for maximum versatility.

Lastly, Sofia proudly hosts the She Shield Podcast, a platform for honest conversations around readiness, personal safety, and empowerment. She interviews competitive shooters, preppers, martial artists, and self-defense experts. As of November 2025, the show has surpassed 41,000 downloads.