Interview by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
For years, Stephanie Holcomb expected to follow in her mother and grandmother’s footsteps and pursue a career in Nursing Home Administration. However, it soon became evident that she was meant to follow a different path.
In this Walker Leader Q&A, Stephanie details the people, places, and experiences that have shaped her worldview and encouraged her to embrace her calling.
WL: Tell us about your background.
SH: I grew up in Walker County, where I spent most of my life. My mother, an independent single mom and one of the state’s first female welders, built our home next to Roy Dailey’s Farm in Saragossa. My sister and I visited our grandmother in Fairhope during the summers and spent time with our dad in San Antonio, TX. While we had a lot of fun, we also faced challenges. As children of a single mother in a male-dominated profession, we were frequently singled out. Additionally, my sister battled disabilities and, later, addiction. These experiences deeply influenced my empathy and shaped my views on LGBTQIA+ issues and civil and human rights.
WL: Where did you go to school, and what was your field of study?
SH: I went to Farmstead Middle School, Walker High School, and the University of Alabama. I took my last final in undergrad while in active labor with my son and passed the exam! I earned a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2005.
WL: Which career did you choose, and why?
SH: I feel like my career chose me. When I went to college, I thought I would fall into the line of Nursing Home Administration. But at the time, with two small children, following that career path was impossible. My heart led me to roles serving the community through nonprofit work, and I have been with the American Red Cross for five years.
WL: What does a typical day in your life look like?
SH: The only thing about my day that looks the same is my coffee routine! I proudly serve as the Disaster Program Manager for the American Red Cross of Central West Alabama, serving 14 counties. In a broad sense, my job is to make sure that our community is prepared for disasters – big, small, or anywhere in between.
WL: What is an interesting fact about the American Red Cross that people may not know?
SH: We are 90% volunteer led. It is common practice for our volunteers to oversee disaster operations and manage staff. The Red Cross also supplies 40% of the nation’s blood.
WL: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
SH: I love being able to serve my community in such an important capacity. My favorite thing about serving the community through the American Red Cross is our commitment to humanity. It is our duty and honor to serve all members of the communities that need us in a time of crisis.
WL: Lastly, what is your go-to meal in Walker County?
SH: My absolute go-to comfort meal is the Tennessee Roll with extra cream cheese and extra wasabi from Bayou Fresh!
