Stephanie Smith

About Stephanie Smith

I hear it all the time: life is too busy to find community. Between work, family, and adjusting to a fast-growing city like Austin, it’s easy to miss out on the connections and experiences that make life rich and joyful.As a mother of a toddler and the founder of Social Stimulus, I’ve felt the pull of busy days and endless to-do lists. But I also know that community, shared experiences, and the arts have the extraordinary power to bring us back to what truly matters—connection, joy, and a sense of belonging.I created Social Stimulus as a mission-driven social club to bring people together through unforgettable events while supporting Austin’s vibrant arts and culture scene. At the heart of our mission is the belief that we can help energize the next generation of arts enthusiasts and supporters. From opera galas and gallery soirées to supper clubs to yacht parties, our events are designed to connect people who love this city and want to experience and celebrate everything it has to offer.Our work extends beyond events: we also publish a weekly newsletter that curates the best of Austin’s arts and culture scene. Each edition is designed to inspire, inform, and connect, with sections highlighting performances, visual arts, concerts, culinary experiences, and charity events benefiting arts-based organizations.Social Stimulus is more than a social club—it’s a movement to elevate Austin’s cultural and civic community, one event and connection at a time.In addition to Social Stimulus, I proudly serve as the Co-Chair of Friends of the Opera, where I lead efforts to engage young professionals with the Austin Opera, fostering attendance and building a love for the arts. I’m also the President of the Cal Berkeley Club of Austin, where I help alumni connect and build meaningful relationships in our community.

Experience

1. Chair, Friends of the Opera

   Austin Opera

   Oct 2023 — Present · Austin, TX, US

   Connect young professionals with Austin Opera to increase engagement and foster a love for the performing arts. Friends of the Opera was recently featured in Tribeza Magazine\'s Arts & Entertainment March / April 2025 issue.

Education

• University of California, Berkeley

  B.A., English

  2003 — 2005

Skills

• Post Production
• Digital Media
• Os X
• Digital Video
• Final Cut Pro
• Broadcast
• Final Cut Studio
• Hd Video
• Avid
• Television
• Camera
• Visual Effects
• Video
• Video Editing
• Film
• Video Production