St. Edward’s alumna Stephanie Bazan is running for Austin City Council District 5. Bazan graduated from St. Edwards in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in English Writing and rhetoric. She also minored in Graphic Design, when the program was new to the School of Arts and Humanities. Bazan has seen her undergraduate education benefit her throughout the campaign. 

“[Writing and design] marry together very well, so you’re able to market yourself better,” Bazan said. “I still do a lot of design in the campaign…I’m really grateful to have that design part of my background from St. Ed’s.”

While attending St. Edward’s, Bazan was involved in many ways on campus. Bazan worked with New Student Orientation, Campus Ministry, the dance team, and the Sorin Oak Review. According to Bazan, these experiences gave her leadership skills and deeper connections with fellow students. 

“Stephanie had so many gifts that she came to St. Edward’s with, and then it was very much about us challenging and supporting her in the classroom and outside of the classroom to become who she wants to become,” Vice President for Student Affairs Lisa Kirkpatrick said.

After graduating from St. Edward’s, Bazan went on to work in marketing and communication and received her master’s degree in England from the University of Leeds. Regardless of her success after college, Bazan is still drawn to the Hilltop.  She has been a member of the Alumni Board since 2006 and used to serve as president. Bazan was asked to return and teach a writing and design course in 2009. 

“It was an opportunity of a lifetime to take the skills that I’ve learned and bring them to that course,” Bazan said. “And also be around students who had just so much energy and enthusiasm and ideas … I really feel like, in teaching, I learned so much more.” 

Bazan believes her deep Austin roots help her understand her community and benefit her in a leadership role. Bazan heirs from the  Limon family, a founding pillar of Austin. She understands South Austin as someone who has not only lived and worked in the district but also has familial roots throughout. Bazan said she understands all of the different parts of the 5th District, from William Canyon to Zilker Barton Hills and on to Onion Creek.  

“I’ve lived in South Austin almost my entire life … and I think having lived here for so long (and) knowing people who live in those various areas, will be really helpful,” Bazan said. 

Kirkpatrick said she is excited to see a Hilltopper, who is deeply involved in her Alma Mater and her city, take local leadership. 

“Stephanie is amazing,” Kirkpatrick said. “She is the mission personified. She is a servant leader who cares deeply about her community… (and is) actively engaged in the St. Edward’s community. I very much believe the servant leadership capacity she grew while she was at St. Edward’s is now certainly helping her to become the leader in the Austin community she is striving to be.”

Early voting begins on Oct. 24 and election day is  Nov. 8. To learn more about Bazan and her policy visit, stephaniebazan.com