Atlantic City to the Ivy League, Native Proves ‘This City Doesn’t Limit You’

When Sophia Mammucari tells young people in Atlantic City, “This city doesn’t limit you,” she’s not just offering encouragement—she’s living proof of what’s possible.

Now a sophomore at Harvard University, Mammucari’s journey began in the heart of Atlantic City. Despite moving frequently during her early years, her family ultimately made Atlantic City home. It was there, as a student at Atlantic City High School, that she began to dream big and build the foundation that would carry her all the way to the Ivy League.

“Getting into Harvard was the best day of my life,” she said.

Mammucari is not only thriving academically, but she’s also giving back to the city that raised her. This summer, she returned home to intern with the City of Atlantic City Mayor’s Office and Business Administration Office, where she gained firsthand experience in how municipal government functions.

“I just wanted to learn how government works,” she explained. “I saw the full process, and it was full circle. My journey ended with the City Council meeting, so I saw how ordinances were written, how issues were addressed, all of the meetings that go into it, all the planning, and how there isn’t always a simple answer to everything. The Business Administrator (Anthony Swan) and Mayor (Small) really do work to address all concerns that come to City Hall.”

Through programs like CitiStat, which allows residents to report and track issues through data-driven governance, Mammucari got to see how committed the city is to its own revitalization.

“I was impressed by how much work is being done to improve Atlantic City and to create a real renaissance,” she added.

Mammucari’s connection to the Small administration runs deeper than her internship. She is also a previous recipient of the Mayor Marty Small, Sr. Scholarship, three-year, $3 million initiative supporting Atlantic City students in their pursuit of higher education.

“The scholarships helped me with my expenses during college and made it possible to go to Harvard and excel there,” she said.

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While she’s currently making her mark in Boston, Mammucari hasn’t forgotten where she came from. She hopes to one day return to Atlantic City and introduce her organization, The Higher EDvantage, to local students. The nonprofit offers guidance and support for those pursuing college or another form of higher education.

And her ambitions don’t stop there. Could “Mayor Mammucari” be in the city’s future?

“I don’t want to take Mayor Small’s job,” she said with a smile. “But maybe when he retires, I’d love to run for a government position.”

For now, Mammucari remains focused on her education—and on serving as a role model for the next generation of Atlantic City youth.

“I hope I can be someone local students look up to,” she said. “I always encourage kids—especially those from low-income backgrounds or who go to Atlantic City High School—to dream big. You may not think you’re capable, but the answer is always going to be no if you don’t try.”

If anyone ever doubts her hometown or says something negative about it, Mammucari is ready to set the record straight! And she now has the inside experience to back her stance and looks forward to sharing with the world why she is proud to be from Atlantic City and just how much potential this city truly has.

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PHOTOS BY EDWARD LEA / CITY OF ATLANTIC CITY