Sophie Dagenais is a leader and advisor with extensive cross-sector experience spanning higher education, philanthropy, government, and business. Her career builds on a foundation of success as a partner at an AmLaw 100 firm, where she specialized in corporate law, finance, real estate, and economic development, becoming the youngest partner in the firm’s history. Sophie is known for her strategic leadership, legal and business acumen, and a proven ability to solve complex problems and lead growth initiatives.
Sophie has held significant roles, including Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Baltimore, where she oversaw a $2.9 billion budget, 14,000 employees, and 37 cabinet members. She also served as Director at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, guiding a $100 million mission-related investment portfolio and leading efforts in urban redevelopment and community capacity building.
In higher education, Sophie served as Assistant Dean at Syracuse University College of Law, where she helped launch the groundbreaking JD interactive hybrid legal education program and exceeded a $38 million fundraising goal ahead of schedule. Her work in communications, strategic planning, and donor engagement significantly enhanced the institution’s profile and operations.
Fluent in French and English, Sophie holds a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Civil Law from McGill University. A recipient of numerous honors, including the Maryland Daily Record’s Top 100 Women and NY State Bar Foundation Fellow, Sophie is committed to innovation and equity in every sector she serves. She resides in Wilmington, NC.
Sophie Dagenais
Vice President of Programs & Grants
sdagenais@theendowment.org
910-903-7995
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiedagenais1/