Meet Stephanie

A woman with red hair dressed in a teal blouse and black pants stands on a porch, leaning on a white railing, smiling and looking off to the side.

Why She’s Running

Stephanie Vazquez fights for those too often left behind: survivors, veterans, working families, and everyday people who deserve more from their government.

Raised in poverty and shaped by service in the United States Air Force, Stephanie turned adversity into action, leading national efforts to combat human trafficking and championing real solutions, not just quick fixes.

Stephanie’s running for Pasco County Commission to put power back where it belongs - with the people.

Her fight is personal. From opening the nation’s first boys’ safe home for survivors of trafficking to helping veterans access healthcare, housing, and jobs, Stephanie has always worked to challenge broken systems and build stronger communities.

Stephanie’s priorities reflect what families like hers need every day: better roads, strong schools, safer neighborhoods, and leadership that listens.

At home in Wesley Chapel, Stephanie and her husband, Yamani, are raising six children, all proud Pasco public school students.

Why She’s Qualified

Stephanie’s record of service and leadership proves she’s ready to deliver for Pasco families:

  • U.S. Air Force Veteran – Served in airfield operations, where precision, accountability, and teamwork were non-negotiable.

  • Advisory Board Member, Post-9/11 Veterans Organization – Advocates for those who served, helping ensure veterans get access to healthcare, housing, and jobs.

  • Former Vice Chair, Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking – Worked locally to protect vulnerable children and families.

  • Former Board Chair, The NISSI Project (Anti-Human Trafficking Nonprofit) – Led efforts to support survivors and dismantle exploitation networks.

Stephanie also brings a strong educational foundation that fuels her problem-solving approach:

  • M.S., Public Administration — Northeastern University (expected 2026)

  • M.S., Entrepreneurship in Applied Technologies — University of South Florida (2016)

  • B.S., Behavioral Science — Bellevue University (2010)

Her blend of military discipline, nonprofit leadership, and academic preparation uniquely positions her to take on Pasco’s toughest challenges with integrity and determination.

A large multigenerational family group smiling and posing together on a sandy beach with dunes and tall grass in the background.
A woman with long red hair speaking at a podium during a presentation or speech, with an audience seated in front of her.
Four individuals in Air Force uniforms standing outdoors on a grassy area, with planes and cars in the background.
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A woman speaking at a podium with a boy smiling next to her, during a public recognition event for human trafficking awareness, with audience members seated around.
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A woman with red hair wearing a green top giving a speech or presentation at a podium in a classroom or conference room, with an American flag in the background and students or audience members seated in front of her.
Group of diverse runners in black shirts, some with race bibs, standing outdoors under a large tree, participating in a veterans run event.
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