About

Who We Are

At New Colossus Advisors, we combine rigorous policy expertise with sophisticated strategic advocacy and communications to amplify the voices of mission-driven organizations, NGOs, foundations, elected officials, and executives around the world. We bridge the gap between traditional PR firms and think tanks, specializing in translating technical policy insights into clear, persuasive narratives that resonate with policymakers, media, and the public.

What Is New Colossus?

Inspired by Emma Lazarus’s "The New Colossus," engraved at the base of the Statue of Liberty, we believe in the power of ideas that can resonate with people around the world, uplift voices that may otherwise go unheard, and inspire meaningful change on the most difficult challenges we face.

Our Team

Ken Sofer
Founder and Principal

Ken is a policy expert, global advocate, and strategic communicator with more than 15 years of experience advising global NGOs, think tanks, and senior executives. Alongside leading New Colossus Advisors, he is a foreign policy professor at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, bringing real-world insights into the classroom on the practice of international affairs, global strategy, and advocacy.

Ken previously worked for the humanitarian NGO the International Rescue Committee, which supports clients in more than 50 countries whose lives have been disrupted by crisis and conflict. He supported the organization’s mission as the Advisor for Policy & Planning to the President & CEO - serving as deputy chief of staff, policy advisor, and speechwriter - and as the Director for Public Advocacy - working at the intersection of technical, policy, advocacy, communications, and marketing teams to create cohesive narratives about the organization’s work spanning from private advocacy through public engagement. His work has supported groundbreaking initiatives on climate resilience in conflict-affected communities, ending child hunger, and feminist approaches to aid.

Ken also worked for the DC-based think tank the Center for American Progress. In his roles as Senior Policy Advisor and Associate Director for National Security & International Policy, Ken engaged with senior leaders in government and led the development of policy analysis on issues ranging from the Iran nuclear deal to Russia’s invasion of Crimea.

Ken’s work has appeared in major global outlets including Foreign Affairs, the New York Times, and BBC World. Ken's expertise spans climate policy, humanitarian response, geopolitical strategy, and emerging technologies.

He holds a Master in Public Affairs (MPA) from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs and a BA in International Relations and Political Science from the University of Southern California. Originally from Hermosa Beach, California, Ken is the proud child of a Japanese immigrant and Iraqi-Jewish refugees. He now lives in Kansas City.