Stephanie Henson

What makes Stephanie Wildly Capable?

Stephanie is one of the most genuinely caring, energetic and passionate people toward others. She volunteers her time and talents to benefit others in many ways.” CYNTHIA BENSON

What makes you feel proud?

I’m proud of the work that I do: empowering others and strengthening democracy. I feel proud when I can make connections with other people or with ideas. I was proud, recently, to be a part of a group of advocates who raised our voices to pass legislation that would help victims and survivors of domestic abuse. The legislation failed to pass this session; however, we made the front page of The Oklahoman. Our voices are resonating, somewhere.

What keeps you up at night?

There’s a lot more work to be done: our mission at the League of Women Voters is “to empower voters and to strengthen democracy.” Oklahoma has a poor voting record; we ranked 50th in the nation in 2020 in terms of eligible voters who were casting votes. I believe that our democracy is very much dependent on our capacity to see the humanity in every Oklahoman.

What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?

I’m beginning to learn that my biggest obstacles are in my own head: fear and lack of confidence. As my mom used to say, “Can’t never could.” On the other hand, I also have started to realize how societal norms perpetuate our fear and lack of confidence and make us afraid to rock the boat. Maybe the obstacle is just a lack of imagination.

What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?

I just read “Poverty, by America” by Matthew Desmond. He imagines a world in which we can eradicate poverty and, with that, so many social ills. We’re a very wealthy country, and there is no reason why a child should be hungry or not receive medical care.