I’m Dr. Jeni Stepanek (aka Mama Peace) – an educator, bestselling author, & keynote speaker whose work blends academic expertise with personal experience. My resilience & faith sustain me on a challenging life journey. My studies in psychology, journalism, philosophy, & special education led to a faculty specialist role at UMD (go Terps!) & nonprofit leadership. I serve as President of the Mattie Stepanek Peace Foundation, continuing the peace-purpose-play mission of my son – the late teen poet & peace ambassador. Our programs inspire peacemaking & community engagement. I enjoy mentoring youth & adults, writing “daily haiku truths,” & savoring sunrises and sunsets. Despite living with complex disabilities, I choose to celebrate life daily – with grit, grace, & gratitude. When I grow up, I want to be 83 and a beach chair philosopher.
