Where transformation begins and joy thrives.
Meet Stephanie (élla/she/her)
¡Bienvenidos! | Welcome!
I’m an LA-born and raised Latina, a child of immigrants, a native Spanish speaker, educator, and community member in Fort Collins, Colorado. I was raised to value community efforts, serving others, living intentionally in the present, and most importantly, to love out loud.
I am grounded in the belief that a better world is possible; one where rest, love, and joy are central to our functioning and success. I approach social justice work through an intersectional analytical lens that bridges storytelling, research, and theory, fostering critical hope and cultivating collective joy to inspire meaningful and lasting change. I am dedicated to challenging myself and others to think critically, holistically, and creatively through mind, body, and heart.
My career path has allowed me opportunities to serve in positions where I center relationships, balance accountability with care, and create initiatives rooted in humanity and joy. My journey in higher education has granted me many invaluable relationships that challenge me to actively create a better world.
In my free time I consume stories through books and audiobooks, marvel at the weird-looking plants at my local nursery, cook simple but soul-comforting foods, slowly sip coffee, pet all the good doggos, plan ideal vacation plans of dream destinations, gasp in Spanish at the latest drama I binge, capture the world around me through pictures, start my next side-side-side project, belly laugh with my friends over elaborate meals, powerlift, and take naps!
What Grounds Me |
Centering Humanity - People are at the heart of every initiative. My work prioritizes understanding and honoring the human experience in all its richness and diversity. I value equity and inclusion.
Storytelling as a Catalyst for Change - Stories have the power to connect, educate, and inspire. I integrate storytelling into my work as a bridge between lived experiences, theory, and actionable change. I value authenticity and truth.
Sustainability of Impact - Change should last. My solutions are designed to embed equity and joy into the very fabric of organizations, ensuring long-term impact. I value intentionality, growth, and transformation.
Courageous Conversations - I foster brave spaces for dialogue where difficult conversations about inequity, privilege, and justice are met with compassion, respect, and a willingness to learn. I value joy as a transformative force.
Systems Thinking - Recognizing that individuals and organizations exist within larger systems, my work addresses root causes of inequities and promotes systemic solutions. I value empowerment through collaboration.
Creativity and Innovation - I approach challenges with an open mind, encouraging creativity and innovation to find solutions that resonate deeply and effectively. I value critical hope.
