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In a recent episode of In the Mix Podcast, DJ Chucky sat down with Sophy Ramirez—better known as “Sophy with a Y”—the Executive Director of Midtown Elizabeth. What followed was an inspiring conversation that highlighted Sophy’s deep love for her city, her energy for community building, and her vision for revitalizing one of New Jersey’s historic districts. From her infectious personality to her grounded commitment to local businesses and culture, Sophy made it clear that Elizabeth is not just where she works—it’s who she is.
Sophy’s story is deeply personal. Born in the Dominican Republic, she moved to Elizabeth in 1982, where she grew up, got married, raised a family, and even became a grandmother. Though she once left the city, she eventually felt the call to return. “You took the girl out of Elizabeth but you can’t take the Elizabeth out of the girl,” she explained, reflecting on her decision to move back to help lead revitalization efforts. For her, it was a homecoming rooted in purpose: “I’ve always thought that I’m destined for something bigger… and I think this is it.” As Executive Director of Midtown Elizabeth, Sophy is spearheading initiatives to breathe new life into Broad Street and the surrounding district.
“We’re trying to revitalize Broad Street and the Midtown district… bring safety and clean and all the shops and helping the businesses grow,”
From installing better lighting and planters to inviting graffiti and mural artists, her mission is to create a vibrant, safe, and welcoming environment. “It needs a little CPR,” she joked, but her drive is anything but casual. For Sophy, this is about weaving together a community: “It takes a community, it takes a village… if we all work together, we live together and we grow together.” But Sophy’s vision extends beyond infrastructure—it’s about the people and culture that give Elizabeth its unique flavor. She proudly listed local hotspots, from Morris Avenue’s bustling nightlife to Midtown’s diverse eateries like Hot Doggy Dog, Leo’s Pizzeria, and countless Honduran, Peruvian, and Mexican restaurants. “It’s like a tapestry,” she said. “If we all work together, we live together and we grow together.” For her, Elizabeth is not just a city; it’s a living, breathing mix of cultures, flavors, and histories. And she’s extending an open invitation to the world. “Please come to Elizabeth, especially in Midtown Elizabeth, so you could find out what’s in the mix,” Sophy declared with her signature enthusiasm.
She also called on artists, volunteers, and community members to get involved: “We have all these walls—think of Wynwood—you know we could just create it all together right here in Elizabeth as we revitalize it together.” In the end, what makes Sophy’s story remarkable is not just her role but her relentless spirit. Elizabeth is New Jersey’s fourth-largest city with more than 143,000 residents and a rich history, but its future, as Sophy sees it, depends on unity, creativity, and energy. With leaders like her, the city is well on its way. As DJ Chucky put it, “I feel like something big is happening here and you’re a big part of it.” Judging by Sophy’s passion, he’s absolutely right.