Stephanie Powell, a native of Bakersfield, California, began her dance journey at the age of two, training at esteemed institutions such as Civic Dance Center, Pacific Northwest Ballet School, and the School of American Ballet. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and Education from the University of California, Berkeley, and an M.F.A. in Dance from the University of California, Irvine, where she was recognized as a Chancellor’s Fellow and honored with the Celebration of Teaching Award.

Powell's professional dance career spans six years with the Oakland Ballet and notable performances with Dance Theatre of Harlem, San Francisco Opera, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Contemporary West Dance Theatre. She has also graced the stage in leading roles in the Los Angeles Pantages Theater production of The Lion King and has appeared on television in the Grammy Awards and The Jay Leno Show. Her dance talents have been featured alongside artists such as Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, MC Hammer, and Kenny G.

As a tenured full professor of Dance at Long Beach City College, Powell has been instrumental in securing vital funding for the dance program. She is a certified instructor in Pilates, Zumba, and the New York City Ballet Workout, with a teaching repertoire that spans a wide range of dance genres.

Powell is also deeply involved with the NAACP and the International Association of Blacks in Dance Festival. Her contributions have been recognized with the Long Beach Post Award for Best Teacher, and she has been nominated for the Woman of the Year Award and the Black Leadership Advancement Coalition Alumni Award.