BIOGRAPHY

Sofía Nava Ulacio, better known as SOFI NAVA, is a Venezuelan musician, singer, and songwriter. Her passion for music has led her to pursue a career in the music industry, getting different awards and scholarships, and participating through mentorships and projects with different artists and organizations in the United States and Latin America.

FIRST YEARS

Since she was a child, Sofía always had a great interest in music and at only 5 years old, learned her first song on guitar by herself. The school's music teacher saw her potential and immediately started offering her formal lessons. At the same time, she joins a local flamenco school, beginning her first approaches to the stage and developing a deep love for performing arts.

As her childhood years passed, Sofía kept participating in local talent shows, and at the age of 8, she was already playing Venezuelan Cuatro, Guitar, and singing.

SCHOOL YEARS AND MUSICAL DEVELOPMENT

After a few years of preparing herself on the guitar, she is accepted into "El Sistema", a recognized music organization in her hometown, Venezuela, known for having trained well-rounded musicians including Maestro Gustavo Dudamel. Right there, Sofía studied for 5 years, receiving private instruction in guitar, cello, Venezuelan Cuatro, and participating in youth and children's choirs and symphonic orchestras.

SONGWRITING: THE BEGINNING

"I've written songs my whole life, but I was always scared to show them. I thought they weren't good, that no one would like my music. It was at the beginning of High School in Venezuela when I decided to show everyone that I could make music that works. I couldn't let myself be overcome by my fears"

Around 2018, Sofia is suggested by her friends to write a song for a local music festival in which they would participate. Despite low expectations, Sofía writes the winning song of the contest and the following year they decide to participate again with one of her compositions, becoming the first team to win first place two consecutive years. These awards were a sign for Sofia and at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic she decided to call a music producer to work on her first solo song. Their project didn't come out. However, when the producer was surprised with all the lyrics that Sofía had, they decided to start working together producing for other artists.

ROUGH MOMENTS, PROFESSIONAL CAREER & AWARDS

"The situation was inhumane. We went from being a family with resources to days when we had nothing to eat. Music didn't assure a good future. However, I decided to not give up and fight for my dreams".

During the following years, Sofía was working in songwriting and as a musician. However, she and her family were going through hard times in Venezuela.

Sofia holds an Associates Degree from Portland Community College. Sofia has studied under well-known educators such as jazz master, Christopher Woitach, and has attended seasonal masterclasses with musicians such as Dr. Molly Miller (Jason Mraz, Zayn), Andy Abad (Jennifer Lopez) and Arianna Powell (Olivia Rodrigo, Black Eyes Peas). Sofia has performed solo and with her trio at important venues and festivals including the Patricia Reser's Center for the Arts, the Walter's Cultural Arts Center, La Strada Di Pastelli, Sherwood Music Festival Kick-Offs and more.

Sofia is a strong advocate for music education and the power of arts in youth. Sofia has served as Vice-Chair of the Beaverton Arts Commission where she remains as a Commissioner. She also works with students of all ages and musical backgrounds taken some of them from early beginners to advanced level in multiple instruments, developing a teaching approach focused on student's interests, healthy technique, music theory understanding, self-driven and discipline. Thanks to her hard work in music, Sofia has received multiple accolades, including:

BEST OF BEAVERTON AWARD 2024

Presented in honor of her exceptional service and contributions in arts, music, and leadership in the Beaverton community.

BEAVERTON YOUTH ARTS AWARD 2023

Winner of the award and scholarship "Beaverton Youth Arts Award

2023" in performing arts, offered by the City of Beaverton, Oregon.

LEADING LADIES CONNECT TOGETHER 2023 BY LATIN GRAMMY'S

Selected as one of the 5 "Leading Ladies Connect TogetHER 2023"
mentees. A mentorship sponsored by the Latin Recording Academy and
She is the Music to support the future generation of women in the Latin Music Industry.

Through this program, Sofía was chosen as Janina Rosado's mentee

(x13 Latin Grammy Winner).

SIGNAL2NOISE FILM FESTIVAL 2023 - FINALIST

Finalist for "Best Music Video" at the Signal2Noise Film Festival 2023 with
her music performance "Aloha Living Room Concert #2: Sofía Nava".

LATIN GRAMMY ASSOCIATE MEMBER

Membership earned for her professional activities in contribution to the

Latin music industry.

"Moving to another country with different cultures gave me a new perspective. I understood that I could be the artist and use my voice and experience to represent my Latino community but also the girls and young people who identify with my message, and with who I am. I'm glad to be part of the future generation of women in the music industry and show that when you work hard with respect and honesty, all your effort pays off".