On this episode of the Talk of Louisville Podcast, Mike and Kellye talk with KY House Candidate Stephanie White

Meet Stephanie White

I was born and raised in New York, but life took me to several parts of the country before settling in Kentucky. After graduating from Wake Forest University in North Carolina, I moved to Texas where I started my career as a high school math teacher. After three years of teaching, I realized I wanted to do work outside of the classroom to be a positive force to support public education. I earned a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs and Policy Analysis from the University of Texas at Dallas while working on education policy and research. 

After getting married, my husband and I moved back to NC so that he could further his education. I went back to the classroom and taught for two more years before taking on my most important role – Mom. We started our family in NC. With a struggling economy in 2008, we had to make a change for work. We moved to Kentucky, where my husband is originally from, and we found our home in Oldham County. 

When we moved to Kentucky in 2009, I loved everything about the Louisville area. I was exploring every day with my young children, learning about all of the parks, libraries, and museums. I started a business by accident – Louisville Family Fun – by creating a website for moms to share events and happenings around the city. I knew nothing about websites or even how to run a business, but I quickly became the “Louisville Family Fun lady” everywhere I went. 

I was honored to be named one of Louisville Business First’s 40 under 40 in 2014. What I love most, though, about my business are the times I have been able to give back to the community through charitable events and remaining a consistent, free resource for Louisville families. The business is still successful 16 years later. 

I have always been a high-achiever. In 2019, I decided to take a leap and go back to school full-time, while also running my business and raising two children. I earned a fellowship from the University of Louisville and a graduate assistantship. During my five years at UofL, I learned so much about myself and even more about what I am most passionate about: high-quality, high-impact education for all students. I was thrilled when the department chair asked me to serve as an adjunct instructor after I graduated. 

I did not intend to go back to the high school classroom – I was not sure exactly what I would do after I graduated. Life threw me a curve ball in 2022 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through all of the chemotherapy and surgeries, I had quite a bit of time to reflect on what was important to me. I decided that being with students everyday would be the best way to utilized everything I know and love about teaching and learning. 

Once cancer free and armed with my PhD, I began teaching in again after a 17-year hiatus. I knew that my children’s own school was struggling to find math teachers and I could be part of the solution. From Goshen Elementary, to North Oldham Middle, and through North Oldham High School, my children have had a fantastic education. It was my honor to join the staff at North Oldham High School this school year and what fun it has been to teach in my own community.  I am also a proud union member.

For more info visit stephanieforky.com