Stefanie Santiago

“As a queer Puerto Rican woman, I believe I was born with the right mix of character traits that enable me to speak out against any forms of injustices, big or small,” says Stefanie Santiago. After an encounter with a local representative regarding a homeowner issue, the New Jersey-based marriage and family therapist and addiction specialist was inspired to get into local politics. She ran for office for the first time in November 2024, when she was one month postpartum. “Becoming a parent reignited a deep motivation to set a good example for our son and the community he will be a part of,” says Santiago. She has committed herself to community aid—co-founding a private telehealth practice for individuals, couples, and families throughout New Jersey and Virginia; founding the Bloomfield Immigrant Justice Network, a hyperlocal coalition dedicated to supporting the local immigrant community; and co-hosting a community vigil in response to the murder of queer Minneapolis woman Renee Good and others who have lost their lives to ICE. Last year, Santiago ran for Bloomfield, New Jersey’s First Ward council seat, and plans to try again in 2026. “I hope to continue looking for ways to leave a positive impact on my community and use my voice to shine a light on issues left unaddressed,” Santiago says. When asked what pop culture helped shape her queer identity, Santiago replies: “I am a ’90s child, so I default to The L Word original series.” –LE