ABOUT ME

Stephanie Walker, MPA

I AM A TRUE
WILMINGTONIAN

Growing up in a small neighborhood near UNCW, I became very familiar with Wilmington streets and Wilmington life. Trust me, it was A LOT smaller back then.

In 1976, I started my first day of Kindergarten at College Park Elementary. I remember sailing the sands on our wooden ship and learning how to braid with pinestraw.

After College Park, I rode my bus to Snipes (5th grade) followed by Tileston (6th grade), before heading to Williston for junior high. Just like every other awkward teen...junior high was definitely something!

Stephanie Walker for New Hanover County - New Hanover High School

For high school, I spent those following years trying to beat the late bell at Hanover (Go Wildcats!!), sprinting across the catwalk to get to class. Getting my first car finally meant freedom (and off-campus lunch with my friends at Independence Mall).

I was a cheerleader with the Pop Warner football league when I was little, and I played softball for Cape Fear Optimists. I got my swim badge (minnow level!) from the Market Street YMCA, and I was one of those teens who hung out at the mall on the weekends and cruised Johnny Mercer's Pier (when it was still allowed). And, yes, I do remember when College Road was two lanes!

FAMILY

After high school, I spent some time in the United Kingdom, where I met my loving husband of 28 years, Laurie. Together we had two wonderful children, Aaron and Julia, who we raised in New Hanover County. Both graduated from Laney High School, and I am proud to say, went on to attend North Carolina universities - my son, UNCW and my daughter, Carolina.

I am an avid reader, experienced gardener, world traveler, and I am currently working on historical research for a book about local history.

After starting a family, I turned my attention toward pursuing a higher education. I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Political Science from UNCW, before going on to earn a Master's Degree in Public Administration as a Seahawk as well. It was during grad school that I discovered my passion for public service and advocating for public education.

During this time, my husband and I also started our own small businesses in landscaping (almost 25 years now) and community management (which I did for 12 years). I am currently pursuing a new small business endeavor.

As an active citizen, I have been involved in many local positions, which include:

At-Large Member, Friends of the Library (2023-Present)
Chair, Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens Committee (2017-2022)
Secretary, New Hanover County African American History, Heritage, & Culture Commission (2019-2021)
Wilmington Sister City Commission (2008-2014)
- Liaison for the City of Doncaster, England
- Co-Drafter for Selection of Sister Cities Guidelines
- Coordinated Azalea Festival Trolley (2010 & 2011)
- Secretary for Sister Cities Association of Wilmington
Chair, Precinct Harnett 11 (2017-2019)
Precinct Judge, Harnett 7 (2007-2008)
Intern with New Hanover County Environmental Management (2013 & 2014 semester)
- Assisted with New Hanover County's first Grant for the Hazardous Household Waste Program
- Created Permanent Sign for the Tire Recycling Program
- Conducted a Survey for County Recycling Drop-Off Sites
- Created Flyers for the County Landfill for the disposal of yard debris
Worked on projects with LINC and The Carousel Center for Graduate School

As a working mother pursuing a higher education, I did more than work full time. But my passion for public service and education pushed me forward and inspired me to run for office.