our founder

Stephenie is a passionate advocate for education, personal growth, and community empowerment. Raised by a single mother who instilled in her the values of resilience and determination, Stephenie has overcome numerous challenges to achieve remarkable success.

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As the youngest of eight children, Stephenie was the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree in social science. She obtained her master's degree in social work, a milestone she reached even after returning to college in her forties. Her journey is a powerful testament to the belief that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, and she serves as an inspiring role model to her children and others.

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Currently, Stephenie works for the Department of Education. Her commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond her professional roles. She is also the founder of Samory’s Way, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a safe haven for families and individuals dealing with the grief and anguish of losing a loved one.  Through Samory’s Way, she is committed to empowering others to overcome life’s challenges, including depression, low self-esteem, abandonment issues, rape, domestic violence, navigating the shelter system and more.

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Stephenie’s personal and professional experiences have fueled her dedication to helping others, and her unwavering commitment to community service,  her leadership, resilience, and deep empathy for those in need align perfectly with the mission of any organization seeking to make a meaningful difference in the world.