Stephanie Battaglino is not just a trailblazer, she is a heart-forward force of change. With grace, resilience, and unapologetic authenticity, she has dedicated her life to opening doors for others, especially in the workplace, where transgender people often face silence, stigma, or worse. The first transgender person to transition at her Fortune 100 company, Stephanie turned personal vulnerability into systemic transformation, spearheading inclusive policy reforms, workplace transition guidelines, and employee resource groups that continue to uplift others long after her own journey began. Today, she is a nationally recognized speaker, corporate consultant, and advocate for transgender equality, leading her own company, Follow Your Heart, LLC, with the same empathy and vision that has defined her entire career.
Whether serving on the boards of the LGBT Community Center of New York or the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund, Stephanie brings both heart and strategy to the fight for visibility and dignity. Beyond her titles and accolades, Stephanie is a deeply compassionate partner, mother, and friend. Her relationship with Mari, whom she lovingly calls the "yin to her yang," radiates warmth and serenity. Her devotion to her son, whom she supported with extraordinary sensitivity through her transition, speaks volumes about the quiet strength she carries. Stephanie’s story is one of hope, of finding one’s voice, sharing it boldly, and lifting others along the way. Through her writing, her blog Follow Your Heart, and her tireless activism, she reminds us that the power of living as your true self is not just personal, it’s transformational. And today, we are honored to listen.
