Stephanie Peters received her BA in political science and women’s studies from The Ohio State University; she was senior class president, a member of Undergraduate Student Government, Ohio Staters, the Zeta Phi Beta sorority and the 1985 Homecoming Court. She earned her JD from the Georgetown University Law Center and her master’s degree in political management from George Washington University. Peters most recently served as Microsoft’s senior director of congressional affairs and was instrumental in guiding and evolving the company’s public policy practice.
Could you share which faculty or staff member had a significant impact on your time at the university and how did they shape your experience?
There were so many, but right now, I can recall two people who helped me along the way. Right now, I can recall Professor Funnel and Rich Hollingsworth. Professor Funnel was in the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and she understood me, saw my potential for being an advocate, and supported my interest in pursuing a career in law or public policy. Rich Hollingsworth was a lawyer but worked in the Office of Student Life. He helped me write my law school application essays. And I remember his feedback, “Stephanie, you’re not speaking up. You’re not talking about how the last few years have transformed or inspired you and there is real power in that. Talk about your education, your creativity, why you want to attend law school, and your experiences here.” His encouragement sparked something inside me that made my application an impactful and real story about my journey.
If you could do it all over again, would you have any changes?
I would listen more and talk to more people. I think if you really listen to someone’s life experiences, you not only learn something about their perspective, but you also learn more about yourself and the world around you. This is an incredible place to learn and you’re surrounded by so many bright and talented people, so don’t forget to make connections and challenge yourself to listen to understand others and not listen to respond. I also would still watch documentaries and read biographies because you learn about the people and the circumstances behind moments that changed the world or inspired someone’s life or career.
As Arts and Sciences students are planning and thinking about their career paths, what advice would you give to them?
I really have to promote study abroad and strongly suggest that students find the courage to immerse themselves in a different culture. When you open yourself up to another culture’s history, food, customs, artwork and even folklore, you create this meaningful experience that stays throughout your life. I find the study abroad experience to be an important process in developing confidence, advancing language skills and committing to personal growth. These are all great skills and experiences you can build on personally and professionally.
How can students make this year a success?
I first want to thank the College of Arts and Sciences and The Ohio State University for giving me and continuing to give me so many meaningful opportunities to connect with others. I think the reciprocity of this community is like none other. I would tell students to be there for one another, learn from one another, be kind and caring, and take advantage of all the incredible opportunities around them because this place is designed for them to succeed.
