About Chairwoman Graf-Gilliland

Chairwoman Graf-Gilliland is an accomplished advocate. Growing up in rural Indiana as the

younger sibling of a disabled brother, Stephanie developed a strong sense of

responsibility and advocacy from an early age. Following high school, she enlisted in the

United States Army. Upon completing her military service, she joined the State of

Indiana's workforce development sector, serving as a Disabled Veteran’s Outreach

Placement Coordinator and as a Local Veteran’s Employment Representative. This experience led to her acceptance of a federal position with the US Department of Labor, and the Veterans Administration.  Stephanie has also been an active union representative with AFSCME, NCFLL, and AFGE, holding various positions including Steward, Head Steward, Vice President, Local President, and District National Women’s Advisory Coordinator for Washington, D.C., and Europe. After retiring from federal service in 2021, she returned to her hometown to continue her legacy of service. Stephanie’s most recent and current volunteer activities include:

• Founding Lily’s House, an organization that provides information, referrals, and

assistance to minority, multicultural, and multiracial individuals and families in

rural communities.

• Serving as the Chair of the Miami County Democratic Party Women’s Committee

for two years and currently serving as the Miami County Democratic Party

Chairperson.

• Serving her fourth year as Treasurer for the Indiana Federation of Democratic

Women.

• Serving as an Executive Board member of the Indiana National Organization for

Women in the role of Racial Justice Coordinator.

Member of the 2025 Hoosier Women Forward, Class #8.

Stephanie is also a former mayoral candidate, dedicated mother of three, grandmother

of twelve, and wife to her husband, Roger.