Employee Spotlight: Dr. Stephanie Covington Brings Vision and Energy to Youth Workforce Development

Dr. Stephanie Covington, Commissioner of Educational Engagement and Workforce Development, hit the ground running—literally—in front of a 13abc camera.

In just her first few months on the job, she was already championing workforce pathways for youth during an urban agriculture program event alongside Urban Wholistics Farm and Toledo Preparatory Academy.

The message: You don’t need acres of land to grow your own food—or your future.

"I see students interested in culinary, design, production, broadcasting, even cosmetology,” Covington said. “This program shows them how what they grow can be used to create something meaningful in their lives.”

Covington stepped into her new role last September with a clear vision and an 18-year background in higher education, community engagement, and workforce development.

Having spent months commuting between Toledo and Michigan, she was ready for a new chapter—personally and professionally. A local opportunity that combined her expertise with her passion for service sealed the deal.

“This role was perfect for me,” Covington said. “It brought together everything I’ve done—supporting youth, uplifting families, and building bridges to opportunity.” And she hasn’t wasted any time.

In less than a year, Covington has:

• Launched the Urban Agriculture Workforce Development Program
• Facilitated community listening sessions with more than 100 youth, educators, and industry professionals
• Joined advisory boards for Waite High School and Toledo Public Schools Middle Grades
• Mentored students at the Jones Leadership Academy Stock Market Challenge
• Volunteered weekly with kindergarteners at Robinson Elementary through Read for Literacy
• Spoken at the Aspiring Young Educators Conference
• Collaborated with Junior Achievement and the Ternion Training and Education Center.
  

Her first-year goals are ambitious, but the momentum is already in motion. A formal strategic plan will be released in June 2025 to guide her work moving forward.

One of her most memorable early experiences with the City? The EEC Appreciation Pancake Breakfast.

“It wasn’t about job titles—it was about community,” she said. “I got to meet people from all over the organization, connect with Council Members, and just be present in a space of service.”

Covington’s approach to her work is rooted deeply in personal experience. Raised in Springfield, Ohio, by a mother who emphasized education above all else, she grew up in a household that valued hard work, faith, and ambition. She and her sister went on to earn seven degrees between them—and run multiple businesses.

“My mother worked two jobs, but still made sure homework came before anything else,” she said. “That mindset shaped everything.”

Covington’s own education began at the University of Toledo, where she earned degrees in cardiovascular technology and exercise science. She later completed a Master of Public Health and went on to earn her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Ohio University. Her dissertation explored the social identity development of white students at historically Black colleges and universities.

Her resume includes roles like Vice Chancellor of Student Experience in Chicago and Executive Director of College Access and Success in Michigan, where she secured millions in grant funding, built trauma-informed education programs, and developed wraparound services for students navigating homelessness and foster care.

Covington is also an entrepreneur and a published author. Her children’s book The Astounding Faith Adventures of Abraham and Aurora debuted as a #1 New Release on Amazon in its category.

“I bring all of that to this work,” she said. “Whether I’m helping a student explore a future career path or securing funding for a new initiative, I’m thinking about transformation—how we plant seeds today that will grow into opportunities for tomorrow.”

Covington’s belief in education as a powerful equalizer continues to guide her work for the City of Toledo. Her goal is not just to build programs—it’s to build futures.

“I’m here to serve,” she said. “And I’m just getting started.”

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