Sopko Advocate Program

The Sopko Advocate Program celebrates the life and legacy of Bob Sopko -- a visionary, connector, and champion for entrepreneurs -- by inviting community members to take the Sopko Pledge and show up for one another the way Bob always did.
 

What It Means to Be a Sopko Advocate

Visible support:  Wear the Sopko Pin at gatherings so entrepreneurs know they have an ally in the room.
 
Shared values:   Live the Sopko Pledge by connecting generously, mentoring kindly, and believing in possibility.
 
Recognized commitment:   Earn the digital Sopko Advocate Badge to showcase across LinkedIn your advocacy within the entrepreneurial community.

About Bob

Bob Sopko (1960-2024) left an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial community, touching thousands of lives. He was a visionary, a problem solver, a champion for others, and a bridge builder who brought people together. Through his kindness, energy, and unwavering encouragement, Bob created opportunities, empowered people, and wove together a stronger, more vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.  His impact was immeasurable, and his absence is deeply felt.
 
Following his passing in December 2024, countless tributes poured in, accompanied by a shared question: "How can we best honor such an incredible and irreplaceable individual"? In February 2025, a group of colleagues and friends convened to ensure any tribute truly reflects Bob’s spirit, values, and contributions. The Sopko Advocate Program is that living tribute.
 
How It Works
1. Read the Sopko Pledge and reflect on how you’ll put it into practice.
2. Submit the pledge form (takes about two minutes).
3. Receive your Sopko Advocate Pin by mail, and your Sopko Advocate Digital Badge via email.
4. Show up for others - at events, online, and in everyday interactions.
 

The S.O.P.K.O. Pledge: Support Others with Purpose, Kindness, and Openheartedness 

In memory of Bob Sopko, a beloved, irreplaceable force in our community, I commit to carrying forward his extraordinary legacy. Bob was more than a mentor. He was a connector, a champion, and a tireless believer in the potential of others. Through his kindness, energy, and unwavering encouragement, he created opportunities, empowered people, and wove together a stronger, more vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
To honor his life and extend the spirit he championed, I pledge to:
 

Connect Generously:  Share introductions freely, connecting people to ideas, resources, and opportunities without hesitation.

Lift Others Up:   Celebrate stories, amplify voices, and advocate for people in rooms where it matters most.

Share Abundantly:   Offer my time, knowledge, and resources so others have what they need to thrive.
 
Ask for Help, and Invite It:   Model vulnerability by seeking support when needed, and foster a culture where others feel safe doing the same.
 
Be Present:   Show up fully - in conversations, at events, and within my community - to build authentic connections.
 
Mentor Kindly:  Create space for others through listening, guidance, and genuine belief in their potential. 
 
Bridge Ecosystems:   Build meaningful connections across geographies, disciplines, and communities to open new possibilities.

Ask Thoughtful Questions:  Inspire bold thinking by asking questions that spark clarity, curiosity, and confidence. 
 
Encourage Boldness:  Motivate others to take risks, pursue ambitious goals, and believe in their own potential. 
 
Believe in Possibility:   Lead with optimism, act with authenticity, and cultivate an unwavering belief in what we can accomplish together. 
 

Sopko Pin

All Sopko Advocates will receive a pin by mail, which should be worn at events so entrepreneurs can immediately identify a friendly, supportive face - just as Bob was.

The Sopko Pin represents:

Bridge: A reference to Cleveland, the “city of bridges,” where Bob raised his family, worked, and supported countless entrepreneurs. The bridge also symbolizes his role as a connector who brought people and ideas together. 

Wings: Symbolic birds representing perspective, vision, and the ability to see the bigger picture, which are qualities Bob embodied as he guided others. They also serve as a memorial element. 

Hands: A handshake symbolizing connection, collaboration, and trust, which were central both to Bob’s values and to the Sopko Advocates pledge 

Sopko Digital Badge

After your pledge is processed, you'll receive an email from Credly to claim your badge.  Add the badge to your LinkedIn profile and/or your email signature for greater visibility. 


 Click HERE to register to be a Sopko Advocate.