Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, State Representative Stephanie Howse has lived most of her life in the Ward 7 community. Howse is a graduate of the Cleveland School of the Arts where she studied vocal and instrumental music. After high school, Stephanie earned her undergraduate degree in Civil Environmental Engineering from Florida A&M University and her Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Cleveland State University.

In 2002, while studying for her Masters and working a full time position with Stephan J. Sebesta & Associates, Inc, Howse took the first step in heeding her call to public and community service by starting Footprints. Footprints is a girls leadership development and mentoring organization operating inside Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center dedicated to nurturing and cultivating a positive self-image in girls ages 9 – 17, while building character on the principles of Self Respect; Life Endeavors; Community and the Arts. In addition to her work with Footprints, Howse’s work in Ward 7 was expanded when she was appointed to Cleveland City Council after the passing of the late Honorable Fannie M. Lewis.

Representative Howse’s desire to be a public servant was inspired by her mother Annie L. Key, a former State Representative. In addition to Howse’s experience as an engineer, her career experiences include being selected as a Fellow – Cleveland Executive Fellowship a program of the Cleveland Foundation, Cleveland Field Director – Ohio Democratic Party, Substitute Teacher – Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Consultant – Notable Interactions. She recently served as the Admissions and Community Outreach Coordinator for the Entrepreneurship Preparatory School (E Prep) and Village Preparatory School (Village Prep).