Stefanie Ashford-Shackelford has dedicated her life to being a servant to others which has supported her development as a resilient leader. She has a true passion for people and loves sowing into the lives of others. Stefanie obtained her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Mississippi. She is a passionate, results-driven visionary with 15 years experience in Nonprofit Administration. She has an extensive background in organizational structure, project development, management, grant writing, grant reporting, volunteer recruitment, marketing and public relations.

Stefanie began her career here in Starkville working with Community Counseling Center then move to Birmingham, Alabama. Her experience as social worker has been very rewarding and fruitful working with youth, women, children and families. Her social work career has blessed her with leadership opportunities at various nonprofit organizations. Stefanie served as Director of Group Homes for Hillcrest Associates, Director of Hope House for Family Connections, Inc, and at Oasis Women’s Counseling Center she served as Director of WholeHealth. Since her recent return home to Mississippi, she has worked with the Starkville School District, serves as the Coordinator for the Starkville Mayor’s Youth Council, owns and operates P.O.P Arts After-School Enrichment Program. She believes in giving back to her community and doing “good” for others. Her desire is to motivate Starkville to lift each other up and embrace the “Spirit of Giving.”