Her Story
About Stephanie
I've been involved in nonprofits for over 20 years, starting as a Rotarian in my 20s. I'm now 43 and have been with Operation Warm for about 4 years as the Director of Partnerships. In this role, I work with Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 corporate partners to secure funding that sponsors the gifting of brand new coats, shoes, and sports bras to children in underserved communities. I manage a team and we serve nationally across North America. Earlier in my career, I worked for a company that allowed me to travel the world, see different cultures, meet people from all demographics, and experience various leadership styles while working for a company that positively impacts humanity. My most meaningful achievement has been working hard enough throughout my life that when I had my 3 children, I had the financial stability and freedom to transition to nonprofit work focused on positively affecting children, while still making great income and having the flexibility to be present in my children's classrooms and do purposeful work that aligns with my heart and desires.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stephanie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to asking God for His guidance, and then doing the work that He's led me to do. Each one of us has our God-given gifts, and if you kind of tap into that, it'll work through you and guide your path to be in the right places at the right time. Being able to use your gifts is so enjoyable in life because things come true to you. When I align my active life with God's purpose for me, I find that I'm able to do my best work and be where I need to be.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice that my children and I say to each other every day is: do your best and work as hard as you can. This simple principle has guided me throughout my career and is something I pass on to my children as well.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You could do anything you put your mind to. Education is powerful. Being able to digest information and question things so you fully understand is important, so have your voice. And find something you love to do, because it comes easy. When you're passionate about your work and it aligns with what you love, the work flows naturally and you'll be more successful.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The field I'm in is a nonprofit where we ask people for money, so some of the challenges are just economic factors, like inflation. Right now, there's a war going on, and companies restructure based on those political things. If our audience is a partner, and they're going through all of these challenges and these restructures, you have to be savvy of what's going on, you have to be able to overcome objections, and stand by either a business or a service that is sustainable and growing.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is aligning my active life with God's purpose for me. I believe in tapping into my God-given gifts and allowing them to guide my path. This spiritual alignment helps me be in the right places at the right time and do work that is meaningful and purposeful, both professionally and personally.
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