Meet Stephanie Crider | Community Activist & Lifelong Learner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Crider and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Growing up as a child on the westside of Detroit is one of the many reasons I am who I am today. I learned the value of education, the impact of teachers in the community, having a real neighborhood and playing with friends outside, and how to overcome bullying and violence around me. Being from a large extended family also helped me become assertive, find my own voice, and navigate interacting with so many personalities. Life was fun, even in the midst of our struggles.

After our home was burglarized several times and my mother was robbed in a neighborhood store, my mother left Detroit and we moved to Southfield. At that time, it was culture shock for me. We moved from a predominantly Black, low-income community to a very diverse community, especially in terms of race/ethnicity and socio-economic status. As an 8th grader, I had to learn to adapt quickly and find a sense of belonging in a new school and city. My love for education grew even more; most likely because there were more academic resources and examples of success within my reach. I also had a teacher, Mrs. Teague, who made us feel welcomed at the high school and confident in our abilities to succeed in life.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a child, I always had ideas and dreams of helping people. Initially, the medical profession was my chosen educational path; I later ended up studying urban ministry, business administration, and industrial/organizational psychology. During my time at Ecumenical Theological Seminary, I learned how to stand firm in my theology while still accepting others for their beliefs. I used the Urban Ministry diploma to listen to others and find ways to meet their needs. Because my denomination, at that time, required a degree for ordained ministry, I ended up seeking a different academic path that would incorporate all of my desires – ministry, business, and psychology.

I first chose Cornerstone University which provided a faith-based approach to business practices. I received a bachelor’s degree in business management and this ultimately sparked a greater desire to learn more about business. At Capella University, I was able to obtain a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology and focus on scientifically-based solutions to human problems in the workplace and in other organizational settings. I learned the importance of applying psychological principles to any issue and behaviors faced in all fields and industries. While enhancing my own communication skills and performance, I also learned to focus on the safety and satisfaction of others. This mindset has not only shaped my thinking and behavior in business settings; it has also made me the unique activist I am today. My activism has actually led to the businesses I have today.

None of this was easy. If I’m honest, I had 2:00 a.m. moments of being up doing homework because I spent my day caring for my mother or taking care of my daughters. I had so many family obligations and carving out a path for entrepreneurship wasn’t easy. But, it became clear that it was my best option to have work-life balance, flexibility with my schedule, and to have a more fulfilled life. If I had to do it all over again, I would not have solely relied on academic programs that resulted in so much student loan debt. I would have read more books and sought out mentors who could give me the same knowledge and experiences I needed. Like so many, this is one American lesson learned along the way that has far greater consequences than we realized.

People often tell me that they’re intrigued by me. I think their curiosity and what they see as unique is my ability to be committed to my values and beliefs 100% of the time. I’m not shy about speaking my truth and I try not to waiver when I’m asked to compromise who I am and what I stand for. I learned that this can be a bit much for some people and organizations, so thanks to an undergrad professor who later became a friend, I let people know upfront what to expect from me. It’s not always easy to have someone who has standards and wants to do things with a spirit of excellence. If I’m honest, I became a workaholic from doing things at such a high level. Today, I’m learning how to be more present in the moment and enjoy the experiences, while also making sure we don’t neglect due diligence in our work.

I started Agape Social Justice LLC after having other business ventures. It has become evident to me that everything I’ve done and want to do falls under the meaning of “agape love,” which means a deep unconditional love. Agape Social Justice LLC was incorporated in 2022 to 1) promote unconditional love, seek truth, and call for justice; 2) confront issues that divide us and promote collaboration; and 3) provide a safe, brave space for difficult conversations. Whether I’m talking about education, public safety (e.g., policing or criminal justice matters), or poverty and homelessness, I’m always viewing the issue and resolutions through this lens. That’s what makes me unique. I think about every person involved and I ask myself how can I apply “agape love” in every aspect of this situation and my work with them. This is who I am and this is who I hope to help others become.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Over the years, my family has had great times at parks with other families with children. I highly recommend visiting our local parks and state parks. There’s been a surge in parks built in many local communities. West Bloomfield, Auburn Hills and many other local parks have created hangout spaces for people of all ages.

The state parks are obviously spread throughout the state, but there are definitely state parks nearby. Our family usually purchases the annual state pass when we renew our tags so that we can visit the parks, especially the beach areas, as often as we can. Spending time at the beach and near any of our beautiful bodies of water in Michigan is always a nice get away.

Our family loves waterparks and you can’t leave Michigan without creating memories with your children at Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City. We used to go almost every year when our daughters were young. Although this is a trip most appreciated by younger children, I would recommend going here during the winter months as an escape from the typical Michigan winter weather.

Downtown Detroit and Midtown has transformed so much over the years. There are many historical places to visit and new development with sights to see. Whether you enjoy museums, ice skating, walking near the river, shopping, or eating out, there’s always something to do in the D.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my husband and our daughters for believing in me. There have been countless days when I have been with relatives and community members advocating for their needs and seeking justice on behalf of those families. I’m also appreciative to know that I have a family who puts God first and then lives out our purpose in life to serve others. It’s truly a gift to be secure in your identity and have the opportunities to live life on purpose with an undeniable calling to do this as a family.

I’d also like to thank my friends who have supported me for years, even since first grade. It’s a blessing to have friends who can coach and love you through the most challenging times in life. I was encouraged to be who I am, to never doubt myself, and to set healthy boundaries with everyone in my life. This wasn’t always easy, but it’s nice to have accountability partners who knew exactly what I needed and the right way to remind me of the commitments I’ve made to myself. My friends have made me a better parent, wife, friend, entrepreneur, and believer.

I’ve been impacted by so many organizations and community leaders. I’m in awe of the activists and community leaders who are so selfless and live each day to seek justice. On my talk show I always reference “love, truth, and justice” and that’s exactly what I intentionally surround myself around every day. It’s fulfilling and inspiring to be amongst people who understand the importance of shared humanity and seeing the hope of what society can become. I’m sending a special shoutout to my faith community, activist friends and neighbors in West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills, in the justice impacted community, on social media, and in educational and political circles.

I’d also like to give a special shoutout to UNDIVIDED, Inc. and Braver Angels for giving me the opportunity to believe in what many people think is impossible to do. Through our work together, I have witnessed minds and hearts changed in ways that will impact communities across the country for years to come. While many are skeptical about bringing people together who have very different backgrounds and beliefs, your organizations have been successful in providing healing and solidarity for so many people. It is through these life-changing interactions that I find joy in partnering with people different from me, especially when we partner to find ways to seek truth and justice for others. As a national facilitator for racial healing, solidarity, and justice, I get to touch lives across the country in ways I could not have imagined.

For anyone who has given me the opportunity to present, teach, speak, or preach, I thank you. To those brave souls who have allowed me to sit at tables to show my passion and challenge status quo, I appreciate your trust in me. I want people to know that I believe there’s a purpose for each of us, and I don’t take any opportunity for granted. I’ve been molded into the person you see today and many hands have played a role in that.

I will always believe love is exhibited by praise and also by seeking correction for wrongdoing. It is my hope that we continue to love the individuals who uphold integrity, passion, commitment, empathy, compassion, transparency, and vulnerability. WE must also shoutout, in love, the areas we can improve together. It is through this way of life that we reach our ultimate potential to grow personally and to improve the lives around us.

Website: https://www.agapesocialjustice.com

Instagram: @agapesocialjustice

Twitter: @agapesocialjust

Facebook: @agapesocialjustice

Youtube: @agapesocialjustice

Other: Prior episodes from Agape Social Justice LLC Season 1 – https://youtube.com/@agapesocialjustice?si=0BKuWantLMwVF0-J Nonprofit: Police 2 Protectors – https://police2protectors.org/

Image Credits
Family photo credit: Yevgeniya Gazman, YGazm Art @YGazm
Agape Social Justice studio images credit: Chris Crawford with RICC TV