Stephanie Mills

Stephanie Mills
Class of 2021 BEQ Pride LGBTQ Leader Under 40
(She, Her) is 35

The year 2020 feels like a worldwide wake-up call in so many ways. As a leader, I realize the most important thing I have learned and will take forward is…

I was totally ahead of the game by giving people fist bumps versus handshakes! 

The power of a stable internet connection became essential for amplifying the voice of the silenced, creating virtual safe spaces, holding leaders accountable, and supporting our most vulnerable communities.

We must do better!

Stephanie Mills leads advocacy efforts at the Hudson Pride Center focused on creating safer spaces for the LGBTQ+ community in New Jersey. She collaborates with community leaders, organizations and schools on outreach initiatives that promote LGBTQ+ inclusive events and combat violence against Black Trans women while establishing a rapport with other marginalized communities so they can obtain resources and services. After graduating from William Paterson University with a degree in English, Mills served as an Americorps member, mentoring and coordinating programs for high school students. She was the Program Director for then-Mayor Corey Booker’s “Brick City Serves” initiative, advocating for low-income families. 

Stephanie Mills has been working with Hudson Pride Center in Jersey City, NJ since 2011. She has been instrumental in developing and delivering tailored programming for various LGBTQ+ community subpopulations. She is heavily involved with programming for senior LGBTQ persons, transgender and non-binary persons, and she works closely with LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. 

Mills serves as a mentor and trusted adult to LGBTQ youth with limited social support. In addition, she advocates tirelessly for LGBTQ homeless youth. She works to identify at-risk individuals and coordinates with other social service organizations to develop action plans for individuals who are or are at risk of becoming homeless. 

A staunch advocate for LGBTQ rights and lives, Mills has been a part of efforts to organize Pride festivals, HIV/AIDS awareness events, LGBTQ+ rights rallies and other events celebrating LGBTQ+ identities, and honoring the lives of fallen members of the LGBTQ+ community. Mills often goes above and beyond the duties outlined in her role as Hudson Pride Center’s Client Services Manager. Her personal and professional dedication to and love for the LGBTQ community is truly inspiring.