Ginger Smith, MSW
Founder & CEO
With thirty years of experience in the social services, divided between program development, fundraising, and direct practice, Ginger has the experience, drive, and successful track record to grow SOAR Together to become a leading collaborator in the movement to end epidemic levels of loneliness in Fairfield County. From her early career as an urban community organizer to Directing the 9/11 Relief Program for The Children’s Aid Society in NYC to decades of fundraising for cancer patients, Ginger has committed her career to building sustainable programs and changing life outcomes.
An honors graduate of Dartmouth College and All-American athlete in two sports, Ginger received a Master of Social Work degree from Boston University. After many years of triathlon/ultramarathon racing, Ginger posted a final win at the Lake Placid Marathon in June 2022 after a breast cancer diagnosis, hanging up her racing shoes and turning all energies to social connection. Ginger’s resilience to overcome is a trademark and fierce advocacy alongside and on behalf of those facing life challenges comes from an unbridled place of deep faith.
In her words: "I have experienced highs and lows like so many others and implicitly know loneliness and social isolation. What I also know is that to heal a wound of any size we must have the faith and courage to persevere and keep putting one foot in front of the other. We can tackle this epidemic if we approach it one gesture of kindness, one smile, one connection at a time."
Ryan Noel
Director of Programs
Ryan joins the SOAR Together team with fifteen years of deep experience in the realm of social services and is currently pursuing his Master of Social Work degree at Sacred Heart University. Born and raised in Stamford, Ryan earned his BA in Management Information Systems from Western Connecticut State University.
Ryan began his career in the technical world, though quickly realized his life passion and purpose is in the realm of helping others. He is the founder of an organization called Something To Hold Us, which brings people together through events that support community, including back-to-school drives, clothing and book donations, and holiday gatherings. Ryan works as a Program Coordinator focused on school engagement, specifically addressing chronic absenteeism, and joined the SOAR team to help oversee our growing programs in Bridgeport and Stamford.
Ryan is passionate about the power of human connection, believing it fosters empathy, self-discovery, and collective healing. His role at SOAR will center on our mission of inclusive, intergenerational programming with specific outreach to those who are socially-isolated.
In his words: I am thrilled to be joining the SOAR team after helping in an advisory capacity for the past year. The mission aligns perfectly with all that I believe in and the community work to which I am deeply dedicated.
Sophie Ferrante
Flower Power Program Coordinator
Sophie Ferrante is a senior at Fairfield Ludlowe High School and passionate volunteer and staff member at Wakeman Boys and Girls Club. Sophie fell in love with being a “Spark” through a Flower Power program she was involved in, becoming a part of SOAR to develop her leadership and service skills as one of the first Young Leaders. Sophie is joining the SOAR team as a Program Manager to make an even greater impact through leading Flower Power events.
Sophie’s values of empathy and inclusion shine through in the many leadership roles she takes on at her school, at work, and when she volunteers. Her initiative and dedication to uplifting others are reflected in her ability to take the reins and lead SOAR programming. She is spearheading the launch of the Let’s Chat program at Ludlowe, which will support a stronger and more uplifting student community. Sophie will continue to spread love and give back to her community in meaningful ways through her work with SOAR.
In her words: I feel a true sense of belonging and fulfillment as a result of the work I do for SOAR. I am deeply passionate about spreading love and joy in my community, and I’m extremely grateful for SOAR and all the opportunities to uplift others it provides.
.jpg)
