Stephanie is a mother of three boys and a mini Goldendoodle. She works full-time as a Marketing Project and Event Manager for a banking software company. She is attending college full-time in Fall 2024 as a senior, majoring in Communication with a focus on Public Relations and Strategic Communications, and minoring in Art. Stephanie has owned and operated an Etsy shop for over 10 years and has been a professional international photographer for over 18 years, photographing notable figures such as Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, and Chris Cornell. Her work has been displayed in the Nanjing China Art Museum. Additionally, she is a graphic designer and was the Editor-in-Chief of Tempo Magazine at CCU. Stephanie enjoys mom-life, music, playing the guitar, hiking, paddleboarding, rockhounding, kayaking, camping, nature, fishing, and spending time with friends.
What is your passion and mission in life?
What is for me, will find me.” This is a mantra I repeat to myself in the mirror each day. It has been incredibly
healing and motivating. Growing up in a challenging environment, fraught with instability and abuse, I constantly feared there would not be enough as I grew into adulthood. I found liberation in this mantra during a morning meditation a few years ago, and suddenly, everything didn’t seem as overwhelming. I no longer felt that rushing sense of lack or the need to race to get where I was going. The relief this provided for my mental 
health has been immeasurable.
Being a mother and cherishing all the little moments with my children is my greatest passion. The joy and fulfillment I find in their happy faces and the sounds of their laughter truly motivate me to be fully present each day. This passion drives my mission to make a positive impact on the world by being kind, improving each day, and advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Having come from a difficult childhood, I am determined to create a life filled with love, growth, and purpose for myself and my children. I want my children to feel the security and stability I never had, and I strive to be a role model of resilience and compassion.
What is your biggest fear and how did you overcome it?
My biggest fear is not being able to provide a permanent residence for my family. Growing up in extreme poverty, surviving in a camper without plumbing or adequate food, and enduring physical, emotional, and sexual abuse from a young age, I vowed never to let my children experience such hardships. To overcome this fear, I have been educating myself by going to college and working full-time to achieve financial stability so I can finally purchase a home for our family. Despite the challenges, my determination to provide a stable home for my children keeps me going.
How has this adversity affected raising children?
When I became pregnant at 17 years old, I was overwhelmed with fear that I wouldn’t be able to provide for and
protect my children the way I wanted to. This fear was rooted in my own difficult upbringing, but it also fueled my resolve to be the best mother I could be. Raising my children, I focus on creating a loving and empowering environment. Witnessing the effects of substance addiction in my childhood showed me what I did not want for my own kids, and I am proud that the cycle of addiction ended with me. I make it a priority to educate my children about the dangers of addiction and the importance of making healthy choices.
Reflecting on my journey thus far, I realize my passion for motherhood and my mission to create a better life have made me a resilient and dedicated parent. As I continue to pursue my goals, I am confident my children will continue to grow up knowing they are valuable, loved, and well-equipped with all the tools needed to create a wonderful life for themselves as they reach adulthood. I am committed to providing them with opportunities and experiences that will help them grow into compassionate and capable adults.
Maeband is excited to inspire and encourage all moms to succeed by helping them through our Scholarship for Moms. A new mom is picked every semester to receive the Maeband Scholarship. You can read HERE who is eligible and how you can apply.
