Meet Stephanie

Stephanie Howse-Jones is a compassionate caregiver, dedicated mentor, and committed public servant, proudly serving as the Councilwoman for Ward 7 on Cleveland City Council. A bold advocate for women, families, historically marginalized communities, and those disconnected from government systems, Stephanie is a trusted voice for equity and opportunity.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Stephanie grew up in the neighborhoods of Downtown, St. Clair–Superior, and Hough. Her deep understanding of community is rooted in her lived experience, surrounded by caring neighbors, civic engagement, and enriching youth programs. She was active in sports at Thurgood Marshall and Kovacic Recreation Centers, a proud “Rainey kid,” and a graduate of the Cleveland School of the Arts, where her passion for the arts blossomed.

Stephanie is a proud alumna of Florida A&M University, where she earned a B.S. in Civil (Environmental) Engineering, and she holds a Master’s in Environmental Studies from Cleveland State University. While completing her graduate studies, she launched Footprints, a leadership and mentoring program for girls that operated for 12 years at Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center.

Today, Stephanie balances her public service with her personal commitment as a caregiver for her mother, the Honorable Annie L. Key, who is living with dementia. She and her husband, Robert, cherish time together exploring neighborhood restaurants and community events, all while navigating the emotional and physical demands of caregiving.

Professionally, Stephanie’s career spans engineering, education, and elected office. These experiences have shaped her into a collaborative leader, independent thinker, and unwavering truth-teller. Whether in the classroom, the community, or the Council chamber, Stephanie’s work is guided by the words of Angela Y. Davis: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”