Stephanie Zabriskie

“Every transformation begins with listening. Whether in a boardroom, a remote village, or an art gallery, approaching each space with openness allows the visions of others to be heard and honored. From that understanding, bridges can be built where finance, culture, and philanthropy come together to create sustainable solutions that respect identity while advancing global progress.” — SZ

Professional Overview

Stephanie Zabriskie is an international strategist, cultural curator, author and philanthropic innovator whose career spans more than two decades across finance, government advising, global development, and the arts.

Her work reflects a rare ability to move seamlessly between worlds — from advising governments in Jamaica, The Bahamas, China, Tanzania and the UAE on finance, tourism and development, to writing on luxury, fashion, and travel for leading publications, to co-authoring children’s books preserving ancient Indigenous fables and curating international art exhibitions that elevate Indigenous voices, while also mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

At the heart of her career is a commitment to reshaping global narratives: advancing Indigenous and African leadership in philanthropy, creating new pathways for women’s equality, and bridging corporate, cultural, and humanitarian spheres with authenticity and vision.

Finance & Government Leadership

Before founding her nonprofit, Stephanie built a career in international finance and luxury land development, partnering with governments and private entities to deliver large-scale projects. Her expertise includes:

  • Strategic financial operations and global negotiations

  • Public–private partnerships and international government relations

  • Land planning, design leadership, and sustainable development strategy

This corporate and governmental foundation continues to inform her global perspective, allowing her to navigate complex international systems while championing models that combine profit with purpose.

Humanculture Philanthropy

In 2018, Stephanie founded Humanculture, an Indigenous-led nonprofit advancing community-driven development across Africa, Central & South America, and Asia. Unlike traditional aid models, Humanculture prioritizes Indigenous and African leadership in decision-making, ensuring that communities are not just recipients of aid but architects of their own futures.

The organization delivers new and expanded access to education, clean water, hygiene, renewable energy, food systems, sustainable economic independence, and healthcare, while also championing women’s equality through initiatives that build ongoing revenue streams for women-led collectives.

Beyond traditional aid, Humanculture invests in art, culture, and storytelling as powerful tools to preserve knowledge and pride in communities whose traditions are threatened by globalization. Indigenous leadership and wisdom form the foundation for sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

By implementing projects such as protecting pollinators, conserving grasslands and waterways, and safeguarding local flora and fauna, Humanculture helps communities sustainably maintain vital ecosystems. These projects demonstrate that preserving Indigenous knowledge is the most effective path toward ecological and societal sustainability.

Speaking. Curation. Mentorship.

Stephanie has been a regular speaker at Columbia University, Fordham University, and private events in Washington, D.C., where she has engaged with professors, policymakers, artists, and business leaders on topics of leadership, cultural preservation, and sustainability.

In New York City, she curated an Indigenous fine art exhibition at the World Trade Center, bringing global attention to Indigenous identity as a force for cultural diplomacy.

Since 2021, Stephanie has also served as a mentor for high school and university students in New York City, guiding young entrepreneurs in business incubation, global perspective, higher education and leadership.

Selected Works & Cultural Projects

Recognition & Honors

Recognized by Marquis Who’s Who for contributions in global finance, philanthropy, and cultural leadership. VIEW PRESS

Widely recognized for advancing a decolonized philanthropic model that prioritizes Indigenous and African leadership and expands opportunities for women’s equality and human rights.

Education

  • University of Florida — B.S. in Business Administration (Finance), cum laude

  • Minor in Economics

Speaking & Collaborations

Stephanie Zabriskie is available for:

  • Keynote Speeches & Panels – on Indigenous leadership, philanthropy, cultural storytelling, sustainable development, women’s global forums, economic equality, sustainability in philanthropy, human rights.

  • Workshops & Masterclasses – for students, entrepreneurs, and corporate teams on leadership, sustainability, and cross-cultural collaboration.

  • Media & Interviews – providing insights on global development, luxury and sustainable hospitality, Indigenous culture, and art curation.

Speaking Topics

Stephanie brings a distinctive voice to the global stage, drawing on experiences in finance, government, philanthropy, culture, and fashion to spark dialogue and inspire new approaches.

Signature Topics Include:

  • The Role of Women Across Worlds: contrasting women’s lived experiences in modern luxury societies and remote Indigenous communities, and what each can teach the other

  • Decolonizing Philanthropy: replacing outdated aid models with frameworks that center Indigenous and African leadership

  • Art as Diplomacy: curating Indigenous art as a bridge between cultures and a tool for reshaping global perceptions

  • Luxury Meets Sustainability: what the fashion and hospitality industries can learn from Indigenous principles of balance and stewardship

  • Finance with Purpose: lessons from advising governments and corporations on aligning economic development with human dignity

  • Women’s Economic Equality: building systems that empower women to create generational wealth and community stability

  • Mentorship & the Next Generation: why investing in young entrepreneurs matters for shaping inclusive global futures

  • Bridging Perspectives: moving fluidly between corporate boardrooms, international governments, Indigenous villages, and global cultural institutions, lessons in understanding and adaptability

  • Cultural Storytelling as Preservation: How Indigenous fables, myths, and stories sustain cultural identity for future generations

Engage & Connect

Stephanie is available for speaking engagements, panels, workshops, and media interviews on topics including Indigenous leadership, philanthropy, cultural storytelling, sustainable development, and women’s global perspectives. She also welcomes collaboration with corporations, non profit organizations, schools, and communities seeking to create meaningful impact.

To book Stephanie or explore partnership opportunities, please use the form below:

Let’s work together