In “Your Story” we celebrate the remarkable stories of everyday Americans from diverse backgrounds — in their own words — showcasing the enduring spirit of Our America’s Hometown Heroes across the nation.
Stefanie Zaenker serves as the strategic director for the LIBRE Initiative in Georgia, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that seeks to empower the Latino community so that they can achieve their American dream and be prosperous by giving them the tools to be able to connect with their community and connect with their state government. With 1.1 million Latinos in the state, they are the third-largest racial or ethnic group in Georgia.
“I grew up with a Hispanic mother and a German father, and was deeply embedded in the Latino community of Charlottesville, Virginia. I was raised Catholic, and I had some socially conservative values that were instilled in me by my mother, who was an immigrant. She became a citizen and had a long and fulfilling career as a scientist and lived her American dream. And so I always looked up to her.
My mother instilled in me the values of hard work, faith, and family. I was taught if you work really hard, you can achieve whatever you want, just as she did. And so that’s the really positive model that I had from a very young age.
“I double-majored in Environmental Science and Policy and Sociology. In my teens and early twenties I had always been passionate about nature and the environment, so Environmental Science was a natural fit. My interest in sociology began after taking a criminology course. I loved the professor and the subject matter, and it inspired me to dive deeper into the field.
“I went into college as a progressive, deeply passionate about changing the world. However, I began noticing limitations on free expression, particularly during my senior thesis project. My professors seemed to dictate what was acceptable to express, which made me question the broader cultural and social narratives. That experience, combined with life after college, gradually shifted my perspective toward more conservative values.
“After college, I got a paid internship at an environmental nonprofit in D.C. called Oceana. Over the next few years, I worked in PR and communications for various environmental non-governmental organizations. At the same time, I was pursuing my passion for music as a heavy metal drummer.
“I joined a band in college, thinking it would just be a hobby. It turned into a serious endeavor, and we toured North America for 18 years. It was an amazing journey, but I eventually had to choose between pursuing music full-time or continuing with the NGO career path, which I had become disillusioned with. I chose music, but life led me back to a different passion—politics and community empowerment.
“The metal underground scene leaned heavily left, and I often felt I had to remain silent about my conservative beliefs. Over time, it became challenging to navigate the political pressures within the music space.
“Free speech is a top priority. I believe in fostering a free marketplace of ideas where people can express their beliefs without fear. Stifling speech and controlling language harm societal progress.
“If you’re frustrated with societal pressures, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and stand up for what you believe in. My career in politics started when I realized I could channel my frustrations into meaningful action.
“People can connect with me or learn more about the Libre Initiative at thelibreinitiative.com. They can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.”