Success Stories & Outcomes
At Stephens, transformation isn’t a promise—it’s a lived experience. These stories show how students discover their confidence, define their purpose, and launch meaningful careers.
Students build portfolios, lead projects, collaborate across disciplines, and take on meaningful opportunities that prepare them for what comes next. The stories below reveal how these experiences shape strong graduates ready to make their mark.
Meet some of our Standout Alums
Claire Johnson, Fashion Design ’25
Claire Johnson ’25, a standout fashion design student and 2025 graduate from Stephens College, was awarded the prestigious Paris American Academy (PAA) Couture Award, given to the highest-scoring design across all apparel categories in the competition.
This recognition includes a $10,000 scholarship supporting a summer study abroad opportunity at the Paris American Academy—one of Europe’s premier institutions for fashion education.
“Working at Paris Haute Couture Week confirmed how solid the foundation I’ve received at Stephens College really is. Rather than feeling intimidated, I found myself feeling prepared.”
Ashley Inez, Business Administration ’25
Meet Ashley Inez ’25 — a veteran, a mother, an entrepreneur, and a woman who discovered her purpose at Stephens College. After leaving the military and navigating pregnancy on her own, Ashley was searching for stability, community, and a new direction.
She found all of that — and more — through Mission Promise Kept, Stephens College’s program designed to support women veterans through education, housing, childcare, and holistic resources.
“I joined the military to leave a legacy, and Stephens helped me build upon that legacy for my daughter. I developed the business plan for La Bruja with feedback from professors and even created my pop-up restaurant’s tagline in class: Bold Latin Flavors. Bewitching Taste. Stephens was the foundation of my business and that’s what makes it strong.”
Sydney Henry, Biology ’22
From last-minute leap of faith to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Sydney Henry ’22 took a last‑minute leap of faith—one that changed everything. Trusting her instincts led her to Stephens, where she found the confidence and direction that ultimately carried her all the way to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
“Resilience, confidence, empathy, professionalism, kindness, community — those were formed at Stephens,” she says. “Stephens was where I found myself. It’s where I grew into the woman I knew I wanted to become.”
Susan Swope, Equestrian Studies ’81
Susan Swope ’81 achieved one of the most prestigious honors in the equestrian world, winning the Five-Gaited World’s Grand Championship aboard Midd’s Delaney at the 2025 World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky.
A proud 1981 graduate of Stephens College, Swope has remained deeply connected to the College’s renowned equestrian program. Through her generosity, she has donated horses and supported countless student experiences, including the beloved Friesian Mario and funding for Saddle Seat students to participate in horse shows and clinics.
