About Sophie
Sophie Hahn has deep roots in Berkeley, and a record of exceptional education, professional experience, leadership and community service. She will be a dynamic, responsive, forward thinking force, indebted to no one but the people of this community.
A Stanford-trained attorney and graduate of UC Berkeley (and Berkeley High), Sophie is a quick study, asks incisive questions and seeks full information before she acts. She brings a strong intellect and depth of experience in law, governance and policy.
A leader in community organizations, Sophie has served on many boards, councils and commissions, often as President or Chair. She thinks strategically, reaches out to affected parties, and works hard to build consensus. Never satisfied with “good enough,” Sophie is an advocate for innovation, creative solutions and excellence.
A former small business entrepreneur, Sophie knows what it takes to build and sustain a local enterprise, and keeps a sharp eye on results.
As current President of the King Middle School PTA and Chair of the Governance Council, Sophie reinvigorated participation, built community, created a task force to address the “Achievement Gap,” strengthened ties with UC Berkeley, increased goals for fundraising, and established committees to improve facilities and the arts.
Sophie is married to Eric Bjerkholt, an executive at a South San Francisco company developing therapies for cancer. Her father, an Emeritus UC Professor, came to the United States as a WWII refugee. Her mother, a musician, is the daughter of Ellis Island immigrants.
Sophie's parents still live in her childhood home on Santa Barbara Road, in the heart of the 5th District. Sophie has three children ages 9, 11 and 13. They live on Shattuck Avenue.
The photos on this page show Sophie with her children, husband and parents.
