About

With a total of over 35 years in the world of fashion design, education and journalism, Sophia Epitropoulos brings vast experience to the virtual classroom. After 15 years in freelance illustration, design and visual display, Epitropoulos moved to Paris, France and continued her career in specialty design and fashion journalism. Spending time abroad deeply enriched her passion for design and art. Building a clientele base in Paris, she was a registered French trade professional who benefited from the many haute couture and trade shows within the French fashion industry.

Sophia’s return to the US in 1998 brought her to a new phase in her career. She exchanged personal red carpet dreams for the opportunity to inspire and educate young creators.

As the Chair for the Department of Fashion at Tampa’s International Academy of Design and Technology, Sophia brought her international experience into the program and taught students that the world is small enough to reach out to any corner.

Having spent many years within the various segments of the fashion industry, Sophia was able to tap into the resources she accumulated. As a freelance journalist, writing features for newspapers such as The Tampa Tribune and Daytona News Journal and was a fashion and lifestyle, expert for the FOX network affiliate in Tampa, Florida.

Along with her undergraduate degree in fashion design, Epitropoulos holds a Masters of Education degree in Instructional Technology trained under the Socratic method of Online. Sophia went on to complete a postgraduate degree as an education specialist and curriculum design and instructional design, as well as teaching to diverse students language arts in evaluation and developing using various theories and methods for students with special needs. She continued teaching And continued her EDD doctor degree in instructional leadership and teaching and learning.

Having spent 7 years as a full time online faculty for Art Institutes of Pittsburgh Online and adjunct for Academy of Art Online, San Fransisco and continuing in post graduate studies in education specializing in teaching and learning, Epitropoulos is currently an education and academic coach / tutor for K-12 students and adult learners.

Education

  • Doctor of Education NCU University Currently currently studying Concentration: Organizational Leadership and Education Specialist

  • Master of Education American InterContinental University, Hoffman Estates, Illinois. November, 2005 Concentration: Instructional Technology, GPA 4.0

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts International Academy of Design and Technology, Tampa, Florida. June 2000 Concentration: Fashion Design GPA: 4.0

  • Associate of Arts and Sciences International Academy of Design and Technology, Tampa, Florida. June 1997 Concentration: Fashion Design GPA: 4.0, Graduated Valedictorian and ABK Honor Society member

Employment

  • Education Specialist. August 2019- present

  • Art Institutes of Pittsburgh Online, Pittsburg Adjunct Instructor July 2016-2018

  • Art Institute Online, Pittsburgh, Full-Time Senior Faculty -2006-2014

  • Academy of Art, San Francisco  Adjunct Fashion Design Graduate Instructor   -2005-2010

  • Freelance Journalist Tampa Tribune, Daytona Beach News Journal1998-2004,

  • International Academy of Design and Technology1996-2004,Fashion Design Department Chair

  • Sophia Asmar Designs, Designer and Consultant, Paris 

Professional Affiliations

  • Member of FGI (Fashion Group International)Member of ISPI (International Society for Performance Improvement)

  • Member of ITAA (International Textile and Apparel Association).

  • Member of ASCD (American Society of Curriculum Development)

  • (former)ACICS Evaluator (American Council of Independent Colleges and Schools) -Fashion Design Specialist