Meet Stephanie Shoup, Executive Director
- We Amplify Voices
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
Staff Spotlight Series
At WAV, our work is powered by people.
This Staff Spotlight series is our way of highlighting the people and voices behind WAV’s work. Together with participants, artists, schools, and community partners, we create a WAV community that is bigger than any one person. But behind every program, partnership, and meaningful moment are dedicated staff members who help make this work possible.
We’re excited to begin the series by introducing our Executive Director, Stephanie Shoup.
Meet the Person Behind the Position
Stephanie leads WAV with a calm presence and a steady hand. Whether navigating complex projects or responding to unexpected challenges, she brings a thoughtful approach that helps keep both the organization and team moving forward.
What's her Superpower?
Seeing the big picture, breaking it down into workable parts, and adapting along the way.
And while leadership is a major part of her role, Stephanie can be found doing HR tasks, financial management, and sometimes flushing the building’s main pipes.
Here are a few words from staff about what makes Stephanie such an important part of WAV:
"Stephanie’s leadership goes beyond the traditional definition of a leader. She brings thoughtfulness, care, and intentionality to everything she does. It’s refreshing to have a leader who can offer guidance and perspective while also acknowledging and valuing how others feel and see things. Stephanie has a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, heard, and supported."
-Helen Tewolde, Director of Programs
"One thing I really appreciate about Stephanie is that she is incredibly thoughtful and particular in her work, which helps ensure things are done well and with purpose. At the same time, she creates an environment where I feel safe being myself, sharing ideas, and growing. Her leadership brings both accountability and genuine care, and I admire the way she balances high standards with authenticity and support."
-Sefora Seyoum, Administrative Assistant
"I very much admire Stephanie’s active listening. Anytime I’m in conversation with her, I always feel heard and appreciated. This quality especially shines through in her leadership, as she’s always there for support!"
-Sarah Jenkins, Content and Marketing Intern
"I am very grateful for Stephanie's leadership. In her position there is a lot of decisions she has to make and issues she needs to address, but she has the ability to make every problem seem manageable. It has taught me a lot about how to stay calm and pivot when challenges arise.
-Gigi Cox, Director of Marketing and Development
"I admire Stephanie because she consistently exhibits strong resolve in overcoming challenges, while maintaining an open and collaborative approach to differing perspectives."
-Tiera Suggs, Director of Storytelling
What Keeps Stephanie Grounded
Outside of strategy and systems, Stephanie finds balance in nature.
She enjoys being outdoors, touching grass, and feeling the sun on her face. It's a simple but important way she stays grounded and connected.
Hidden talent?
Astrology. Stephanie loves exploring astrology as a fun lens for understanding ourselves and could easily give a 30-minute presentation on the topic.
Why This Work Matters
For Stephanie, WAV’s work comes down to something simple but powerful: connection.
“In the simplest terms, WAV is about connection. I think about the ripple effect and how the small effect we make ripples out into an individual person's life, their family's life, their friends, and their community.”
She believes the spaces WAV creates allow people to come together authentically and meaningfully.
“WAV creates spaces where we can come together, be in a diverse environment, and just connect. And that's really heart-centered. It's connection and bringing us back to our hearts.”
About Stephanie
Stephanie Shoup has served as Executive Director at WAV since the summer of 2025, after previously serving as Director of Operations.
She brings more than 12 years of leadership experience with The Salvation Army, where she served as Program Manager, Assistant Education Coordinator, and ultimately Education Coordinator for all Franklin County after-school and summer programs.
Stephanie later spent five years with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services as a Social Program Developer, managing subaward contracts in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
During her time at WAV, Stephanie has successfully overseen several major multi-year grants. Her focus on creating efficient and effective internal systems has played a significant role in WAV’s continued growth and impact.
At the heart of Stephanie’s leadership is a belief that connection matters. We’re grateful for the thoughtful leadership and heart she brings to WAV and for the ripple effect her work creates throughout our community.
This is just one story in our Staff Spotlight series as we continue celebrating the people behind WAV’s work.
