Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie McAlpine.
Hi Stephanie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My career has always centered on helping people grow and connect their potential to something meaningful in their communities. I started in recreational sports, where I quickly realized it couldn’t just be about competition or entertainment. For me, it was about using sport as a tool for human development, building confidence, teamwork, and purpose through shared experiences.
That passion for development led me into higher education, where I focused on student leadership and large-scale student experiences. I loved designing milestone moments like graduations, student employee programs, and internships that helped students see how their talents and experiences could contribute to something bigger than themselves. During that time, I realized something important: while we often teach self-discovery and purpose to students, the need for an internal compass doesn’t end when we graduate. It shifts and grows with us throughout life.
That belief is what ultimately brought me to House of Shine. Here, I get to combine my background in leadership, organization, and strategic planning with a mission that deeply aligns with my values. At its heart, House of Shine helps people of all ages discover who they are, why they matter, and how they can make a difference. It gives individuals a simple but powerful framework for self-awareness and contribution that can guide them for a lifetime.
I believe that when people connect to something larger than themselves, they find meaning, happiness, and belonging. When more of us understand how to use our gifts for the good of others, we build stronger, more compassionate communities, and that’s how we begin to heal loneliness and hate in the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most people, my journey has included challenges, disappointments, and times when I had to take a hard look at myself to keep moving forward. There were seasons when I lost jobs, faced unfair expectations, or questioned whether I was on the right path. In those moments, self-reflection and self-awareness became essential to continuing to grow and thrive.
Working in higher education for nearly two decades, I also walked alongside students who faced significant challenges of their own. Many came from backgrounds very different from mine, with limited access to opportunities, yet they were determined to use higher education as a way to change their lives. I often found myself carrying their struggles with me, wanting to help them see what was possible when they truly understood their own strengths and potential.
Those experiences deepened my connection to the philosophy we teach at House of Shine, especially the idea that everyone has a place where their talents, interests, and the needs of their community meet. That understanding shapes the work I do every day. I know firsthand that life’s detours can help reveal what really matters, and that when people understand themselves and the contribution only they can make, they are more resilient, fulfilled, and able to build stronger communities around them.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As Executive Director at House of Shine, I lead an incredible team that believes self-discovery is the foundation for living with purpose. Everything we do helps people understand who they are, why they matter, and how they can contribute to the world around them.
Our museum serves as a learning lab, where we create and test programs before sharing them with schools, corporations, and communities across the country. We offer a range of experiences, from our Shineologist Certification, which equips educators and professionals to teach the SHINE framework, to corporate workshops and team-building sessions that help organizations strengthen culture and connection through purpose-driven leadership.
At the same time, we’re deeply committed to growing confident, community-minded youth through programs like the Artisan Market, where young entrepreneurs sell their creations and give back; Change Bowl, where students pitch ideas to improve their communities; and our Leadership Institute, which teaches high school students to lead with purpose. For adults, programs like Rise & Shine create space for women to reflect and connect, reminding us that growth and learning never stop.
What I’m most proud of is the way we’ve built an ecosystem of experiences that all point back to one idea: when people understand themselves and their gifts, they’re better equipped to make a meaningful impact. I lead the team that designs, implements, and expands these programs, ensuring we have the systems, strategy, and creativity to continue extending our reach and spreading shine worldwide.
What sets House of Shine apart is our ability to make personal growth tangible and joyful, turning self-awareness into action and helping people of all ages use their talents to build stronger, happier communities.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that self-awareness is not a luxury, it’s essential. It’s what allows us to grow through challenges, lead with authenticity, and stay connected to what truly matters.
Over the years, I’ve learned that knowing your strengths and values is what helps you navigate uncertainty and stay grounded when things don’t go as planned. The more I’ve leaned into understanding myself, the more clearly I’ve been able to see where I can add value and how to create environments where others can thrive too.
I’ve also learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about asking the right questions, listening deeply, and helping others discover their own potential. That lesson has shaped not just how I lead, but how I live.
At House of Shine, we teach that when people understand who they are and how they can contribute, it builds happier, more connected communities. I’ve seen that truth play out again and again, in myself, in our staff, and in every person who experiences our programs. When you know yourself and use your gifts for the good of others, you don’t just shine brighter; you help everyone around you do the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://houseofshine.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofshine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houseofshine/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/house-of-shine/posts/?feedView=all
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/houseofshine
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-m-7aa87a2a/
Image Credits
House of Shine
