The 2026 Rising Stars of the Profession: Sofia Alayo

Sofia is a consulting analyst at EPAM, where she brings a unique blend of analytical rigor and strong focus on understanding client needs to every engagement. She earned both her undergraduate degree in Health and Human Sciences and her master's degree in marketing Analytics from the University of Southern California, graduating at the top of her class and earning recognition as a candidate for Valedictorian. This background, paired with her advanced training in business and analytics, allows her to approach challenges from multiple angles—balancing evidence-based analysis with strategic insight. At EPAM, Sofia has thrived working with a variety of different stakeholders and not only delivering excellent results but also building strong relationships with the client. Sofia is passionate about leveraging technology to democratize knowledge and empower teams. She is dedicated to upskilling and staying ahead of industry trends, with a particular interest in the evolving applications of AI in business. Sofia is committed to continuous learning and growth, and she is excited to contribute to the future of consulting with integrity, creativity and a people-first mindset.