Sophia Bush Credits the 'Women in My Life' for Making Her 'Happier Than Ever'

The 'One Tree Hill' alum, who is dating retired soccer pro Ashlyn Harris, admitted it was "a journey" to find happiness but is "very excited" for the future

Sophia Bush is showing gratitude for the women in her life.

The One Tree Hill alum, 41, reflected on how she has found fulfillment in her life by working with a close circle of women.

"It was a journey to get here but I'm happier than ever and that is something I cherish,"  she told E! News at the 2024 Fashion Trust U.S. Awards on Tuesday, April 9. "I think one of the reasons for that is all of the incredible women in my life."

Related: Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris Were 'Very Affectionate' at Pal Ruby Rose's Birthday After Oscars Date Night: Source

She noted that she has been “working steadfastly on projects and collaborations,” adding, “I've lined up three projects this year with groups of women that I cherish working with. It makes me feel very excited for us."

Last month, Bush and Nia Batts announced their investment in Chiyo, a company which aims to better maternal nutrition. The pair will also co-executive produce a documentary about deep fakes.

Bush also stepped out with former pro soccer player Ashlyn Harris in March to celebrate women in sports at a special event at Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence, which included 150 of the most influential women in an array of sports fields, in collaboration with Billie Jean King’s Women’s Sports Foundation.

Related: Sophia Bush Was Told Then-Boyfriend Austin Nichols' One Tree Hill Storyline Would 'Never Be Romantic'

The event capped a busy month for Bush and Harris after PEOPLE first confirmed that the pair's friendship had evolved into something more.

The news of a romance between the two came after Bush and husband Grant Hughes separated after 13 months of marriage in August. The following month, Harris filed for divorce from wife and fellow soccer pro, Ali Krieger.

She and Harris have since attended multiple events together, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual Oscars viewing party on March 10, where they were photographed together with actor Eric McCormack inside, and at the annual art festival Art Basel in Miami in December 2023.

The pair also enjoyed a night out for Ruby Rose’s birthday bash in March. Following the party at the Magic Castle in Los Angeles, a source told PEOPLE that Bush and Harris "came together and were very sweet” at the event.

“They were very affectionate and shared kisses throughout the night,” the insider said. “They seem very, very happy.”

Related: Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris Step Out Together in Miami as They Enjoy Art Basel

In early January, Bush reflected on her year that “changed everything" in a lengthy Instagram post.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“No more playing small. No more turning my back on myself. No more settling for what falls short because ‘who am I to ask for more?’ This year put me back in my body. I left it a long time ago, in such a way that I forgot what it felt like to inhabit my own skin. I feel my whole self from the tops of my ears to the tips of my toes now. It’s breathtaking. Life giving. Affirming," said Bush.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.