Daily Inspiration: Meet Stephanie Siete

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Siete.

Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always been interested in health education. I took exciting classes in college: nutrition, drugs in society, tobacco cessation, sex education, HIV/AIDS awareness, etc. I immediately wondered if I could build a career talking to people about some of these important life issues. I graduated with Health Education and Mass Communications: Broadcasting degrees from Illinois State University. I moved to Arizona and quickly obtained jobs in the healthcare industry. I worked for various nonprofit organizations, teaching tobacco education for kids and overall drug education for adults, kids, police, and everyone. I have built a 20+ year career doing drug education programming in Arizona and around the US. I currently spend most of my time educating communities about “The Poisoning of America.”

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As drug overdose deaths have continued to rise year after year, the importance of my job has become increasingly in demand. Earlier in my career, I would run into low turnout at drug education seminars, but that is because I believe most people were in denial about the prevalence of drugs in their communities and schools. Sadly, now that drugs like fentanyl are in the news daily, people are more receptive to learning. Schools are more proactive in hosting educational seminars. Parents in the community have invited me to their houses, churches, and community centers to discuss these necessary issues. I am a keynote speaker on drug trends at conferences for nurses, police, probation, universities, and schools around the US. Information about this topic is welcomed nowadays.

Thanks – What else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My job tends to sound unique and exciting to most people as the general public is unaware of the drug trends and threats harming our kids, pets, and all loved ones. We are truly living in a time when people are being poisoned frequently. Some of today’s drugs and behaviors are so dangerous they can be fatal in one use or cause internal organ damage early in life. I use my knowledge, experiences, and direct approach to grab all my audiences’ attention. I am known for being energetic, entertaining, and educational. I know all this matters if you want people to learn and remember.

I teach youth about the vaping epidemic. With over 2.5 million kids vaping in the US and 85% of them starting because it was flavored and tastes good, I know I have my work cut out for me. I am straightforward with teens and tell them that the liquid vape juices/nicotine they put into their bodies might taste like candy and dessert, yet it is still a poisonous, addictive chemical that needs to be heated up to over 400 degrees to become a vapor in order for one will inhale into their lungs. Please read that again; yes, youth are inhaling high-temperature vape oils into their lungs, potentially causing long-term harm, immediate damage, and deep burns that may result in hospitalization. Some users need assistance to breathe and may be put on ventilators or, even worse, end up with lung transplants. This is just one example of the many drug topics I cover with one audience. I talk to the community about the most deadly drug in the world, fentanyl. I want everyone to know what this drug is and why it is so dangerous. It can kill with one use. It can be mixed into powders, pills and liquids. It is the number one killer of 18-45 year olds in America. Most people do not know or understand why that is or may not believe it. Trust me, with over 50.6 million fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills seized and 10,000 plus pounds of powder obtained in the US in 2022, this is enough to kill every American in our country. Everyone needs to be informed and take this concern seriously. We are prematurely killing too many Americans.

Again, these are examples of excerpts from my drug education seminars that I host in person or virtually in AZ and around the US. I have been doing this for over 20 years. I never imagined I would build a career talking about drugs, but with all the drug seizures, overdoses, crimes, and deaths, it has kept me busy. I will never not have work. I am honored to work with high-level organizations like the police, fire departments, corporate offices, and healthcare systems. I provide training for them as well as schools and parents. I was recently in New York City, working with the DEA and community-wide police services. I have worked with the FBI-Phoenix division for years and even received an award in Washington DC from the FBI and former director of the FBI, James Comey. It was the 2016 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. It was an honor to be recognized for my drug prevention work, trying to inform people and save lives.

I am proud of the recognition and opportunities, but more proud of the work you can’t measure. I 100% know I am saving lives. I know my messages are being heard. I am challenging the way people think and getting them to change behaviors. I have spent decades fine-tuning my niche knowledge of drug abuse and addiction and only want to share it with others. This is my passion daily. It is a part of who I am.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
There are lots of public speakers out there. I know I need to be memorable. I know my natural, energetic self sets me apart from others. I am an expert in my field, but I pride myself on knowing my audience to make my seminars relevant. I also always have the most up-to-date data and stories. I am current with events and material. And I tend to think my approach is motivational. I don’t treat kids like babies. I don’t sugarcoat my topic. I don’t assume police officers already know. I am direct with everyone. I have been known for saying we all have options. You don’t have to be here, but if you care about yourself or your kid’s life, you should listen. I tell kids I am their advocate and explain what that means. I want them to know I care and choose to be there. I end every seminar with “Spend your time wisely. Life is a precious gift.” I don’t hold back with pics of overdoses, vape explosions, or videos of communities being destroyed by drugs. I guarantee people don’t forget my approach to talking about drugs. Just saying no didn’t work, as no one likes being told what to do. I am a big proponent of “being in the know.” We should all be knowledgeable and share what we learn. This drug epidemic isn’t getting better, and discussions on truths and resources about addiction and mental health matter earlier and earlier today. Together, we can save lives. Prevention/education is before the problem and learning and sharing with those you love is never too early.

Pricing:

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Contact Info:

• Facebook: Stephanie Siete
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siete33/