Today we’d like to introduce you to Vada Stephens II.
Hi Vada, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My story is one of faith, perseverance, and hard work. When I think about how far I’ve come, I realize that every step I have taken was ordered by God in efforts to help someone else. I believe we are often shaped by our experience, environment, and education. Growing up, my father and grandfather exposed me to civil rights and social justice and instilled in me the importance of helping the least of these with early beginnings in the church and community. My mother really taught me the importance of education, encouraged me to get involved and try new things.
I can remember growing up and attending marches, rallies, and spending my weekends serving people at our local food pantries or participating in coat drives during the holidays. Simply put, I enjoyed being around people, creating relationships, and found myself falling in love with making a difference in people’s lives.
I also took an early interest in law and remember watching hours of Law & Order and even listening to congressional hearings on YouTube in my free time. Looking back, I knew that God’s plan for me must involve improving quality of life issues and advocating for people in some capacity. It was an attraction and vision I couldn’t shake.
I attended Princeton High School and became quickly involved serving as Class President, National Honor Society President, and Homecoming King. I also transformed my earlier interest into law and garnered some real-world experiences through my participation in “SWEL” (Summer Work Experience in Law), a premier legal program connecting African American students with paid internships throughout Ohio. During that time, I had the privilege of interning at the Hamilton County Courthouse and Strauss Troy attorneys at law in Downtown Cincinnati. Both of these experiences were instrumental in expanding my perspective on the intricacies of the judicial process, intersectional systemic causes of recidivism, and the need for fully funded community support services and targeted programming with actionable steps to help people.
As a young black man navigating different spaces where constructs of power and influence walked the halls, I appreciated such enriching opportunities but also found myself challenged by the reality of being the only person of color in the room. This realization caused me to become increasingly aware and reflective of those who came before me, like Thurgood Marshall and Constance Baker Motley, who fought for equity and forged a pathway forward for young men and women of color to go even further. And that’s what I strived to do and continue that legacy by ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity and access at the table.
After receiving a major scholarship in memory of Princeton graduate and U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Christopher Dyer, I decided to remain in state and attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where I earned degrees in English and Music. A proud first-generation scholar, I became extremely active on campus, serving as the Associated Student Government Secretary for Diversity Equity and Inclusion.
At Miami University, I worked to amplify the history of Freedom Summer 1964, a national voter registration campaign, and its direct connection to Miami’s campus history in honor of the late Congressman John Lewis. I also worked within the Office of Government Relations, which provided me with the opportunity to represent students and families at the state legislature and on Capital Hill.
I believe the pandemic exposed existing health disparities, a widening educational achievement gap, and needed criminal justice reforms in our communities. Having the opportunity to travel to Columbus and DC and talk directly to policy and decision-makers positioned me for my future.
Eventually, I decided that I wanted to learn more about the federal process and how policies were being created to address issues I saw back on the ground in my state and across the country amid the pandemic. I was blessed to secure two legislative internship positions. One for U.S Senator Jeff Merkley and another for U.S Representative Joyce Beatty, who was the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus at that time. Following a national application and interview process, I was later selected as a White House Communications intern for the Biden-Harris Administration.
My time in DC solidified my love for public service and enabled me to better understand the legislative process, but it also reminded me of the importance of partnerships across state and local governments so the resources can reach the people.
After working on the hill for a period of time, I returned home to be closer to the issues and take part in creating sustainable solutions to serve everyday people in our communities because that’s where the real impact is felt. That is where people meet their government. That’s part of the reason I decided to get involved with local government.
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Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The minute you assume the road to be easy is the minute that you lose the battle. It is always in order to be prepared, maximize opportunities, and save time to rest, recharge, and refocus. Challenging a hundred-plus-year-old system externally is one thing and has its place, but gutting it out from the within is another story. When I wake up, it is very important that I remind myself of my “why.” Losing sight of your why can often lead to burnout, confusion, and fear. Your why is tied to your purpose and it is through this lens that you interpret the world around you. My why is tied to knowing that I didn’t leave a place like I found it. It’s based in knowing that someone got help, a difference was made, and the community is moving forward. Oftentimes, when you are the youngest person in the room and the “new kid on the block,” your credibility will be challenged, your position will be questioned, and your confidence will be shaken. That’s why I had to learn quickly that I’d have to work harder, show up earlier, do my homework, and prepare while others are sleep. Staying ready so I don’t have to get ready has delivered many over the obstacles. Imposter syndrome is real and something I have had to overcome for sure. Being young, black, and gifted poses its challenges indeed, but anchoring myself in the thought, “If not me, then who?” has helped tremendously. When you’re tied to God’s purpose for your life, nothing can hold you back.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am in the people business. I believe in a community-centric approach where stakeholder engagement and wide net outreach are core components of effective work. I am an advocate of people, an organizer, policy-driven analyst, and a community leader in Cincinnati, Ohio. Today I serve as Chief of Staff for Hamilton County Commission President Alicia Reece representing Ohio’s third largest county and presiding over a $1.32 billion budget. I am the youngest in the history of our county to occupy this role. As the senior advisor and top aid, I work diligently to plan, manage, and execute the Commissioner’s policy agenda, communication strategies, and serve as a liaison for our community, businesses, organizations, civic leaders, and more.
Outside of work, I serve as President of the Southwest Ohio Young Black Democrats, where I have the pleasure of inspiring young people to get involved in politics, amplify candidates of color, and engage communities on voter and civic participation. I am a dedicated and committed servant leader who believes in inspiring and empowering others to live out their full potential. I am a team player, results-oriented, and unafraid to disrupt harmful systems that need correction. Those who know me would describe me as energetic, confident, and stylish down to my socks. It’s all about details for me!
One thing I am most proud of is knowing that every day, I get to wake up and take part in making history. Knowing that I’m making a difference in the world and impacting someone’s future by the policies and decisions made today is huge. Also, I’d like to note the fact that young African Americans in senior roles working for the county commission is unheard of. To shatter that glass ceiling meant everything to me, but it also meant ensuring that I am not the last.
What are your plans for the future?
I am not sure what the future holds, but I’d hope to have met most of my personal goals. Major changes, I’d say, include starting my own communications and digital marketing business. I’d love to work with companies and individuals on maximizing their digital presence and social media connectivity to amplify brands, online content, and messaging. It’s an idea I’ve had for sometime but never took action on yet. Aside from my professional goals, I’m also looking forward to doing more traveling in the near future. I think it’s a good thing to expand your horizons and explore as many opportunities as you can.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @vadastephensii
- Facebook: @vadastephensii
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vadastephensii
- Twitter: @vadastephensii
Image Credits
Vada Stephens II
