Ever wonder what it takes to foster professional growth and build an inclusive culture? Meet Deven Stepney, Program Manager for the Office of Professional Growth and Inclusive Culture.
From leading initiatives that empower individuals to cultivating a sense of belonging across teams, Deven’s day is all about creating opportunities for growth and connection. Whether organizing impactful workshops, or collaborating with leaders to shape inclusive strategies, Deven is a driving force for positive change within our department.
5:30 AM – Kickstart the Day with Purpose The day starts bright and early as I jump out of bed, ready to seize the day! After a quick stretch to wake up my body and mind, I check my emails while letting my dog out for a quick potty break. Then, it’s time to hit the shower and get dressed, ready to take on whatever comes my way!
7:30 AM – Commute & Mindset Mastery During my commute, I take a moment to center myself with prayer and worship, setting the tone for a positive and productive day ahead. As Program Manager for the Office of Professional Growth & Inclusive Culture in the Department of Anesthesiology, there’s always something exciting happening—from driving DEI initiatives to shaping professional development programs, to ensuring the well-being of our staff. Every day is an adventure!
8:00 AM – Campus Arrival & Team Sync-Up Once I arrive on campus (after that long “trek” from the parking garage!), I dive into the day. A quick good morning to everyone, and I hit the ground running, tackling projects and keeping the momentum strong!
4:00 PM – Project Checkpoints & Wrap-Up As the day winds down, I take some time to review the progress of ongoing projects and respond to any pending emails. This is my chance to catch up, ensure everything is running smoothly, and plan for tomorrow’s success. Any final updates help wrap things up nicely before the day ends.
5:30 PM – Unwind & Recharge After a productive day, it’s time for some much-needed downtime. My evenings are a mix of home chores, dinner, and walking my dog over to my mom’s house for quality family time. I also dedicate time to my community, attending meetings for the boards I sit on or engaging in community advocacy work. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Bible study fills my evenings, offering spiritual nourishment. If I manage to get home with a little time to myself, you’ll find me unwinding with HGTV and scrolling through TikTok—because, let’s be real, there’s always something that needs my attention!
