Stéphanie was born and raised in Tecumseh and there was never any doubt she would go to University of Windsor for post-secondary studies. She earned both a BA and MA in Political Science and did an internship with a Member of Parliament via the program (Herb Gray) which brought her to Ottawa. She has since spent her entire career promoting and protecting our democratic institutions and infrastructure while wo
rking at Elections Canada, Parliamentary Protective Services and the Centre for International Policy Studies. In 2022 she ran for Ottawa City Council and is now the councillor for Ottawa's busiest Ward: Rideau-Vanier. A resident of Ward 12 for almost 20 years and proud francophone, she has led committees and volunteered with numerous organizations including Twice Upon a Time, Action Sandy Hill, the Parent’s Council at Francojeunesse, Refugee613, Take Me Outside, Run Ottawa, Equal Voice, and others. She also taught a course on municipal governance at the Faculty of Common Law at the University of Ottawa.
Stéphanie cares deeply about walkable, safe and green neighbourhoods, much like the one she grew up in, and ensuring that we have spaces and places that are welcoming for everyone. In 2020, in consultation with Inuit and First Nations communities, Stéphanie spearheaded the naming of the Annie Pootoogook Park and oversaw the first celebration of World Inuit Day. The Annie Pootoogook Park is the only City amenity in Ottawa that is named after an Indigenous person.
Growing up in the Windsor area and being a graduate of the University of Windsor opened Stéphanie's eyes to the importance of listening to residents to find solutions, the need for evidence-based solutions and to always tackle issues as they arise.