Meet Stephanie Jo

A family of three posing on a baseball field. The young girl has a medal around her neck, and they are smiling happily.

Family and Community
I am the mom of the coolest seven-year-old and the wife to the funniest man I know. We reserve nearly every Friday evening for family dinner with our extended family at one of the many amazing local restaurants nearby. We are a sports and music loving family. I am so grateful for our life and our home. I am committed to working hard for my family, my community, and my state to ensure all people have the same access to life, liberty, and their pursuit of happiness.

Upbringing
I was raised by a Democrat and a Republican, which taught me early that you don’t have to agree on everything to work together. Real progress comes from listening, respecting one another, and focusing on solutions.

Six young adults sitting and standing outdoors on a sunny day, smiling for a group photo. Two are seated on a bench, and four are standing behind them. They are dressed casually, some holding water bottles, with a grassy area and rocks in the background.

One of the first teams I led, serving as an AmeriCorps member.

Education and Employment
A Hoosier through and through - I graduated from Marion High School in Marion, IN (Go Giants!) and attended Hanover College in Hanover, IN. After graduation, I served two years as an AmeriCorps member providing mentorship for high school students. I have more than 20 years experience in nonprofit leadership in the education and healthcare fields, and I now serve as a Vice President for a large nonprofit focused on education and the well-being of young children.

I serve as the Chair of the Governor-appointed Commission on Service and Volunteerism for the state of Indiana, Serve Indiana, and I actively advocate for AmeriCorps at the federal level. Raised by both a Democrat and a Republican I learned early on that party is not what defines you. What defines you is the type of leader you are and the heart you have for others. My leadership is rooted in collaboration and deep care of communities. I truly believe that we CAN and HAVE TO work together to create a better Indiana for us all!

A woman standing inside a government building, standing next to an Indiana state flag, with a sign indicating a secretary of state office in the background.

Filing for candidacy 22 years after serving as an AmeriCorps member.