Who is Sofia Mendes from The Sparrow and what is their importance?

Sofia Mendes is a beautiful Spanish woman considered a Sepharic due to her Jewish background. Her family was persecuted and her parents killed in the turmoil of the time. With no family or support system, Sofia is forced to prostitute at age fourteen. Through this means, she meets Jaubert who offers her the security of an education in exchange for her contracted labor. Through Jaubert, Sofia becomes an artificial intelligence specialist. This path leads her to Emilio Sandoz, her first love, Jimmy Quinn and the other members of the Stella Maris.