Meet Stephanie Bowman— College Park Non-Profit Founder
I love this life I am living and each day I strive to be the best I can be on that day. I love to be kind to others, to connect people to resources, to hug people and I do not think I have ever met a stranger. I enjoy learning from others and to hear other people’s stories of their life. (the good, the not so good and the in-between).
My father was in the Army Band for 18 years and my mother was a counselor at Valencia Community College for over 20 years. My parents taught me great work ethics, to help others and to love BIG with an open heart.
Honored to be a member of College Park Rotary Club, BNI Elite, STEPS Alumni, GMF Consulting Group and the Founder of One Heart for Women and Children.
Featured on: People Magazine, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Time Magazine, Lifestyle Magazine, Orlando Family Magazine and Orange Appeal Magazine.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am happily married to George for 13 years with 2 adult daughters named Amber and Katie and a granddaughter named Josie Marie. My mother is still with us and is also the woman in my life that “Inspires me to be better every day”, I am one of the middle children of 4 and the Peace-maker of the family.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Currently and for the past 13 years my career has been the Founder / Visionary of a local College Park based non-profit organization named “One Heart for Women and Children”. Prior to starting a non-profit, I had many years of non-profit experience, banking experience and coaching other women through challenging times. What I love most about what I do is: Loving other people in a bigger way than just the word LOVE. Love is an action word and at One Heart we have a “Life Transformation Program”. I am grateful to be a small part of this process for people with the gift of healthy foods along with a hug and offering HOPE though our services.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Infusion Tea, New Moon and Christo’s.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
13 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The most interesting person I have met in this community is Jennifer Moon. She is loving, kind and compassionate. I don’t think she has ever “Met a Stranger” she loves in a big way and serves others in big way.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would travel to Tanzania Africa to stay in the orphanage again – the owners of the orphanage live in College Park and are dear friends. I love the mission and the girls who live there.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Don’t laugh, I love to watch “General Hospital” a daytime soap opera
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The advise I give often is “Not to judge people for where they are” – we all have a story – When we meet others where they are we then can start a healthy relationship.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To swim with a shark (in a cage please)
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Chicago
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Infusion Tea and Apenberry’s
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Her name is Ann Biddy and she passed away a few years ago – she helped me as I was making life changes in 1999, as I was living in a drug / alcohol treatment center she was the director that believed in me and taught me to be gentle with myself at the same time she would dig deep into the hurts to help me heal. We would have lunch at New Moon (many people do not know that they have options on their menu other than fresh pressed juice and smoothies) but they do!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Something unique about our community in College Park to me is the unconditional love, the support and the human stories that are shared so frequently
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5-10 years, I see myself as a traveling Speaker on Stages around the world sharing Experience, Strength and Hope with others.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I have a NEED FOR SPEED – I love to go fast on motorcycles, parachuting out of planes.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
My grandmothers home in Arlington Virginia
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite Month is December, Favorite holiday is Christmas and the best Single day on the calendar for me is my birthday.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The love that is shared in College Park
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Both of my daughters
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Lavender
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
love big, laughter, and good food
