Welcome to Unstyled. I'm your host, Christine Barberick, co-founder and global editor-in-chief of Refinery 29.

Each week, I invite a notable person to come in and talk with us as we explore the funny, inspiring,

sometimes heartbreaking tales of life, work, and love, as told through the things that we wear.

Since the early aughts, Sophia Bush has consistently held court as a bona fide American TV darling,

beginning with her starring role on One Tree Hill, and more recently, a four-season strong stint in the Dick Wolf universe of Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago PD. But earlier this year, the actor and

producer decided it was time to shift gears. With the entertainment world in the thick of a major

gender revolution, she realized her next

role was on the front lines, using her mega-charged star power to direct attention to the hot

button issues of the moment. Think of it like another leading lady part, only this one is set

in the real world. Of course, fans freaked out when news broke that the 35-year-old had decided not to

renew her contract, but her million-strong following knows that social advocacy was always a major

part of the plan. Sophia has a long history of good works and bootstrap activism, and this next

phase is a natural evolution of her personal brand.

Lest anyone forget, she spent her 30th birthday building a school in Guatemala.

On social media and in real life, she's taken on issues of immigration, gun reform, reproductive

education, and environmental legislation.

And earlier this year, she posted a pick of herself

taking a knee in support of the NFL protests.

Just to make sure she's showing up at the plate fully prepped,

she's been boning up on constitutional law too.

Suffice to say, she's been busy,

and she's planning on staying that way.

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