Q & A with Sara Miller

2) What was the first school you made a official club on a university or high school campus

When I was in college at Washington University in St Louis, I started the first ever SODA chapter Since, we have expanded to 50 chapters and counting nationwide!

3) What goes on in a SODA meeting on various campuses?

Every chapter has two primary goals: educating students about organ donation and registering them as organ donors So, all SODA events and meetings work toward those goals

I find students are incredibly creative and thoughtful with the events they plan For example, SODA at Carmel High School invited Vanessa, a living kidney donor, to their school to share her story with their peers Chris, Vanessa’s recipient, joined the meeting virtually, so everyone could hear the recipient perspective, too

4) How is soda funded

We are funded through the generosity of community partners, foundations, and individuals Actually, this week we are launching our new monthly giving program called “The Lifesavers” It’s perfect for transplant advocates who are interested in making a sustained impact on the organ shortage. You can learn about it at sodanational.org/donate and join for as little as $3 per month

5) What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the time SODA has been a active organization?

When I think about SODA, I think about a platform for change. What I mean by that is the SODA gets to support hundreds of passionate students nationwide who are all passionate about organ donation for different reasons. It’s a pleasure to be able to be a platform and support system for these incredible students who are changing and saving lives every day.

6) You hired Nicole Nidea as your first full-time employee. How did that relationship start and how did it lead to her being the one?

Nicole and I met when we were in college–we led SODA at Washington University in St Louis together! Back then, I was impressed with her dedication, passion, and strategic orientation A few years later, Nicole reached out to me to see if we needed help fundraising I was thrilled to bring Nicole onto our team as a volunteer, and within six months, we had raised enough to bring Nicole onboard full time!

Nicole has a unique ability to stay focused while working on big goals Since she joined the team, we ’ ve grown 250% and created several new programs, like our scholarships and event fund I am so grateful to Nicole for her leadership, vision, and focus - we wouldn’t be where we are today without her

7) What are you looking forward to SODA doing in the future?

At SODA, we have a very specific focus - helping student organ donation advocates save lives. What I’m most excited about is bringing our chapters and events to more high school,college, and graduate school campuses nationwide. We’re planning to reach 100 chapters by 2024!

8)If your sister was alive today what do you think she would tell you today?

Thanks for asking My hope is that Laura would be in awe of both the impact she had on Trish, the woman who received her liver, as well as on SODA. Because of Laura, SODA has now educated more than 53,000 and registered more than 4,700 students That blows my mind!

19) What is the best way readers can get involved?

Reducing the organ shortage takes everyone ’ s effort. There are many ways to get involved! 1.

Become a monthly donor as part of our “Lifesavers” community You can learn more at sodanational org/donate!

Do you know who a student who is passionate about organ donation? Encourage them to start a SODA capter or host an event about organ donation They can learn more at sodanational org/students

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