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YP of the Month – Stephanie Schulz (April 2022)

First and Last Name: Stephanie Schulz

Hometown: Beaver Dam, WI

Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Service Leadership – UW Oshkosh, 2020

Describe Yourself in Three Words: Motivated, Resourceful, Advocate

Place of Employment and Position: Rural Outreach Manager, Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs

What do you enjoy the most about your current position? Empowering Clients to work through current challenges, toward a future free of violence for their families.

What is the one thing you would do if you knew you could not fail?
Travel. Everywhere. I sincerely mean everywhere, because I want to see everything. The culture, desolation, inspiring works, climate, etc, and how they affect people; to truly see the tapestry of humanity on a global level, firsthand.

How has YPF contributed to your personal and/or professional development?
Through YPF I have networked, been encouraged, made connections and partnerships that have and will push and motivate me to continue making Fond du Lac a better place for my family and others.

Who or what is your source of professional inspiration?
The village of women who have supported my professional journey. I’ve had the privilege of being mentored and lifted up by some amazing people, and am exceedingly grateful for the knowledge and opportunities that has brought me.

What are some of the professional and volunteer groups you participate in?
Festival of Trees – Event Organizer, Social Media Administrator, Public Relations, & Operations
Young Professionals of Fond du Lac – Programming and Events Committee
United for Diversity – Board Member
Friends of Horicon Marsh – Board Member
Soroptomist International of Fond du Lac – Member

What is your favorite thing to do in the Fond du Lac area?
Anything outside! Although a city, Fond du Lac has a lot of great natural areas in and around it! My husband, son, and I love to hike and enjoy nature. Often on weekends when it’s above freezing you can find us hiking the Kettle Moraine State Forrest or the Horicon Marsh.

Where do you see the Fond du Lac area in 5 years?
A place for all young people to grow personally and professionally, especially women. While starting my career in the Fond du Lac area I was pleasantly surprised to learn how many organizations focused on lifting up women and girls so they could achieve their full potential. In that short time, I have witnessed these organizations grow and become even more successful, along with the women and girls they serve.

What words of wisdom do you have for other young professionals working in Fond du Lac?
Get involved! As someone who is not a Fond du Lac native, I was apprehensive about joining organizations and speaking my mind about things in the community. I wasn’t sure how I would be received or viewed, but my experiences working in Fond du Lac have been amazing. Break through your own mental barriers and apprehensions, open yourself up for growth, you won’t regret it!

What’s something you’ve done, but will never do again?
Doubt myself and my abilities to balance being a partner, parent, and person. Listen to the bit “Have it all” from comedian Michelle Wolf……..

What is one of your favorite quotes from a TV show/movie/book?
“I don’t want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me.”
-Frank Castello, “The Departed” (2006)

 What energizes you outside of work?
Being outside and giving back to my community, as long as I’m doing one of the two, I’m “on”.

What’s a work lesson you had to learn the hard way?
Burnout is real. You can really build yourself up doing everything, but it’s impossible to maintain for an extended period of time. Surround yourself with a support system in your personal and professional life. A good support system includes people who will be genuine with expectations, talk to you honestly about your workload and stress, and help mentally, physically, and spiritually to ease that burden when they can.