Author

Sophia Qureshi

Sophia is the founder of 285 South, Metro Atlanta’s only English language news publication dedicated to the region’s immigrant and refugee communities. Before launching 285 South in 2021, she worked for over 15 years in media and communications, including at Al Jazeera Media Network, CNN, the United Nations Development Programme, and South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT).

Her writing has been published in Atlanta Magazine, Canopy Atlanta, the Atlanta Civic Circle, the Atlanta History Center, and The Local Palate. She won the Atlanta Press Club award for Narrative Nonfiction in 2023 and 2024; and was a recipient of the Raksha Community Change award in 2023 and was a fellow of Ohio University’s Kiplinger Public Affairs Journalism Program in 2024.

Contact her at sophia@285south.com and learn more about her here.

Sophia's Latest Articles

Angela wants to learn English. But in Forest Park, she has limited options for where to go
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Resource Gaps
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August 25, 2023

Georgia is one of only two states that bans undocumented residents from attending state-funded ESL classes—making many future job prospects out of reach.

English language classes in Metro Atlanta
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News
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August 21, 2023

Where to find ESL classes - whether you do, or do not have proof of legal residency.

Bullying in Henry County, selfies in Duluth, and two years since the Taliban takeover.
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News
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August 17, 2023
A pharmacy technician course, free health screenings, and a Buford Highway feast
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News
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August 2, 2023

Happenings and opportunities in and around the perimeter this month.

Norcross, we want to hear from you!
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News
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July 27, 2023

Norcross residents: help us shape reporting from one of the most diverse regions in Georgia.

“Everyday of my life I need Veronica’s help.”
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Spotlight
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July 21, 2023

How one Burmese resident of Metro Atlanta is lifting up her community and hopes to widen that support through a new nonprofit.

Unaccompanied minors at risk of abuse, an Atlanta nonprofit returning to its roots, and Muslim American Heritage Month.
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News
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July 18, 2023

Your 285 South News Roundup.

Puerto Rican chefs, back to school drives, and an Afghan pro-cyclist in Atlanta.
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News
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July 1, 2023

285 South's July Calendar.

Get to know our partner organization, Canopy Atlanta.
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News
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June 16, 2023

Learn the mission, read our reporting.

Leveling the playing field
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News
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June 15, 2023

New soccer academy reaches Latino families on Buford Highway, aiming to address gaps in access.