In today’s episode we speak with Stefanie Munsterman who has spent a life supporting human rights. Her journey from growing up in Kansas City where as a child she noticed people who were unhoused, to supporting a trans friend in college, to working as a human rights investigator show her deep commitment to the wellbeing and care of all humans.
Today we discuss:
- Stefanie’s story of being in first grade and feeling the injustice of the girls in the “J club” and how she created a club for everybody.
- Her love of education and her penchant for asking questions which naturally transferred into working for the Human Rights Commission as an investigator for 12 years.
- The highs and lows of investigating human rights, and the “sunshine folder” she kept to remind her that her work was benefitting people.
- What Stefanie thinks is at the core of why people mistrust and mistreat others that are different.
- How to understand our current volatile culture when it comes to human rights, and how to be an advocate.
- How everyone has a role in social activism based on our way of being. Stefanie explained how there are uplifters, donators, agitators, educators – and that all are important.
Bio: Stefanie Munsterman (She/Her) is an Adjunct Professor at Mount Mercy University, where she teaches in the MBA and MSL graduate programs. She is also the founder of The Spark Movement, a company dedicated to empowering women through mindfulness, coaching, and meditation—supporting them in building resilience, confidence, and personal growth.
Previously, Stefanie served as the Executive Director of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission and worked as a civil rights investigator and mediator, consistently advocating for equity and justice.
Stefanie is deeply passionate about equity and human rights, believing that building a community of belonging is both an individual and collective responsibility. She actively advances this vision through her professional and volunteer roles, serving on multiple boards and advisory councils, including the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights – Iowa Advisory Board; Iowa Public Radio Sounding Board; East Central Iowa Local Workforce Development Board; ACLU of Iowa; College Community School District – Equity Advisory Council; North Liberty Library, Board of Trustees; and the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance – Innovation Council. Stefanie also volunteers as a Sexual Assault Advocate for Riverview Center.
For her service to the community, Stefanie has been honored with several awards. Most notably, she was named a Woman of Influence by the Corridor Business Journal, received the Woman of the Year Award from the Women’s Equality Coalition of Linn County, was recognized as a Forty Under 40 honoree by the Corridor Business Journal, received the Outstanding Service Award from the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, the Misericordiae Award from Mount Mercy University, the Louise Noun Award from the ACLU of Iowa, and the Spirit of the ADA Award from the Great Plains ADA Center.
Stefanie originates from Kansas City, Missouri, and her education includes a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Strategic Leadership from Mount Mercy University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Missouri Western State University.
Stefanie loves spending time with her two children, Alexandria (31) and Jules (19), her partner Kevin, her dog Roman, and cat Jasper. She enjoys being outdoors, reading, music, art, and theater; and learning new things and exploring new experiences are her jam.
Past Episodes You Might Like About Social Justice:
156: Sheila Davisson: A Fashionista with a heart for Social Justice
155: Lyndsey Scott: Effervescent Song Catcher
148: Reflections on the Wild Woman Archetype & What Wisdom She Can Share in these Divisive Times
143: Dropping into Radiant Rest with Tracee Stanley
101: Amanda Litman: Run for Something
Today’s Episode sponsored by:
Kate Moreland Coaching
Dr Yoga Momma
Heartland Yoga
For more information about the Tend Her 4.0 HOPE program visit here: https://dryogamomma.com/tend-
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