Stephanie A. Hightower has served as President and CEO of the Columbus Urban League (CUL) since 2011, becoming the first female leader of the organization, which is Central Ohio’s oldest and most successful urban family advocate. Under her leadership, CUL has expanded its reach to touch and transform the lives of more than 7,000 people annually, focusing on economic transformation, foundational education, and family stabilization.

A passionate advocate for social justice and racial equity, Stephanie A. Hightower is an actionoriented and effective leader. Dynamic and determined as a spokesperson, she also understands and works diligently to forge collaborative, productive relationships with staff, clients, volunteers, community, and business partners. She sets and demands high standards, but, consistent with her early life as an Olympic athlete, knows that failures and mistakes provide tremendous learning opportunities. Her heart for a better community is reflected in both her professional, volunteer, and personal life. And this authenticity and consistency makes her a formidable change agent. Ms. Hightower’s professional portfolio includes a wealth of experiences in athletics, education, and public service. Those opportunities propelled her toward the pursuit of excellence and to advocate for equality, equity, and fairness in all of her leadership roles in K-12 and higher education, government affairs, amateur athletics, and the not-for-profit human services.