About Stephanie

Once in awhile, there is an event that gives me hope the American political system is not doomed.

The news that Stephanie Thomas is running for office is one of those rare, very bright moments.    

I know Stephanie. Our orbits have crisscrossed and intersected for more than two decades, as we have served together on more nonprofit campaigns and committees than I can count.  Without hesitation, I can say that she is one of the smartest women I’ve ever met.  She is a no-nonsense, down-to-earth doer.  And most importantly, she is a compassionate listener.   She will serve her constituents and serve them well – with heart and passion and smarts that will dazzle. 

--
Harry Lynch

CEO, Sanky Communications

I have worked for Stephanie's nonprofit consulting firm for almost four years.  In that time I have come to know her as a compassionate leader who challenges me to be the best version of myself and encourages me by setting an example I look up to, to say the least.  Stephanie approaches every situation with a "can-do" attitude, no matter how steep the climb.  Luckily I have picked up a few skills from her - she has taught me how to prioritize, think outside the box, and work TIRELESSLY for the things that matter.  I was thrilled to hear that Stephanie is running for office as I cannot imagine a more driven, smart, passionate, hard-working, principled, (and don't forget funny), candidate.  I am proud to support her campaign.

Ali Kresch Levine

Mother, Event Consultant, PsyD Candidate

I have known Stephanie for nearly 20 years, as both a friend and colleague.  Professionally, she is widely respected as an industry leader and consensus-builder.  Personally, she is a thoughtful and compassionate friend who is always supportive and available to help or just listen.  Stephanie is tactful, yet she tells it like it is.  She is diplomatic, yet not afraid to speak up for what she believes in.  She is generous, yet tough.  There is no one I would trust more to represent CT citizens and their best interests.  

Arienne Orozco

Friend and Colleague

I have known Stephanie Thomas first as a colleague who helped nonprofits and now also as a friend.  Stephanie exemplifies the qualities we need from all people in public office—intelligence, an innate ability to problem-solve real world problems, and integrity that can never be questioned. She brings passion, vision and commitment to her pursuit of public office. And we would all be safer and better served if she is elected.

Executive Director

Worldwide Nonprofit Agency

Stephanie is a true leader, consensus builder and an inspiration. I was lucky enough to watch her in action when she led a volunteer board of directors and I served as executive director. Stephanie is strategic, focused and fearless. 

Colleague

Association of Fundraising Professionals, NYC Chapter

Stephanie Thomas is an exceptional candidate and an ideal person to be running for public office. As a progressive woman of color who has risen up beyond many challenges in her life, Stephanie exemplifies exactly the attributes that the Connecticut State House of Representatives needs. 

I was proud to attend the Women's March in Washington DC along with a group of friends that included Stephanie, who was the clear leader on our trip and march.  She coined the phrase that we all sported on our custom-made hats that day -- 'Bigger Than Politics'. This pretty much sums up the essence of Stephanie for me.  She is not a career politician however she is supremely qualified for the job because of the person she is, the principles she embodies and the multi-faceted experience that she has. Stephanie is a self-made woman with advanced degrees who has over twenty years consulting experience in the not-for-profit sector.  She founded and runs a small business helping charitable organizations execute successful fundraising projects. Stephanie knows the power of a good education and will work to protect funding for quality public schools and affordable higher education.  She will fight to ensure access to health care for all.  She is an environmentalist who is concerned about pollution and the impact of human activity upon our climate and does her part for the planet.  She is a natural leader who is compassionate, reliable, energetic, whip smart, articulate, fun to be around and highly personable. Stephanie has the right values and holds the right principles to make a real difference. I am proud to call her a friend. Connecticut is lucky to have her on the ballot!

Melissa Grieco

Chair, City of Rye Sustainability Committee

I have known Stephanie for many years as a colleague and most recently in her role as Chair of the selection committee for the Nonprofit Excellence Awards. The qualities she has brought to that work make her ideally suited as a legislator. With grace and humor she has managed to bring consensus to a highly opinionated group of nonprofit experts during the selection process. 

In her role as interviewer at our awards presentations, she has devoted countless hours to research and listening that enable her to create a smooth and engaging process that brings out the best of each finalist. 

Michael Davidson

Board Coach, Strategies that work

Compassionate. Competent. Honest. Those are the words that first come to mind when I think of my friend and professional colleague, Stephanie Thomas. I met Stephanie 15 years ago, when I moved from Texas to the Northeast, and we could not have been more different. We quickly discovered that although our backgrounds were worlds apart, we had more in common than not. Both of us having careers in the non-profit sector, we developed a fast friendship and occasionally worked together professionally. I witnessed Stephanie achieve goals I considered unattainable and go above and beyond for her clients, family, and friends. If Stephanie said she would, she did, while keeping her integrity intact. Although Stephanie and I sometimes see two different sides of an issue, I trust that Stephanie will always look at the bigger picture and the greater good. She listens. She wants to understand and she is always able to find common ground, even when I think there is none. Stephanie is passionate about her desire to contribute to her community and to society as a whole. I trust Stephanie to work hard to make this world a little better place for all, not just those with similar political beliefs. Trust Stephanie to work for you. I do.

Nana Wilson

Director, Children’s Nonprofit Agency