When Stephanie Barrett, BSPA’94 graduated from Indiana University with a degree from what’s now the O’Neill School, she didn’t know her path would eventually lead to helping thousands of people find a safe, stable place to call home. But with a passion for community and a sharp eye for finance, she carved out a career that blends impact and innovation.
Now a Senior Loan Officer at Enterprise Community Loan Fund, Barrett spends her days working with developers, community leaders, and mission-driven partners to make affordable housing a reality in neighborhoods across the country. Her journey is one marked by purpose, adaptability, and a deep commitment to doing work that matters.
Navigating a Multifaceted Career Journey
“The great thing about a SPEA degree is that there are multiple directions students can go in terms of what areas of focus they can pursue in their careers. In my 20’s, my SPEA degree allowed me to grow at a non-profit community development corporation, public government agency and private sector consulting work all related to what I studied at IU,” Barrett said.
In her 30s, a move to San Diego prompted her to pause and reflect on what she truly wanted out of her career. After exploring her options and conducting a series of informational interviews, she discovered a drive to be more directly involved in project implementation and joined a national bank’s Community Development Banking Group. She spent nearly two decades there, helping finance affordable housing and community development projects for low-income communities—work that she found both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.
“I really liked being a part of making something happen, watching a building being built or renovated and seeing people secure a stable home or livable wage employment,” she said.
During the pandemic, she felt the need for change, and in 2021, she joined Enterprise Community Loan Fund, where she continues to connect capital to communities and support meaningful, people-centered development.
“I know I am where I belong as I get to work with good people on meaningful and impactful projects which makes me happy.”
Barrett is inspired by the real-world outcomes of her work and the collaborative effort behind each affordable housing project. She brings together people, resources, and ideas to help create lasting change.
“I am a houser at heart, and working in an industry filled with fellow like-minded and talented people on cool projects is very motivating,” she says. “While I am not the reason affordable housing gets built, I like being able to play a part in the often-complicated process of pulling together a capital stack that helps seniors, veterans, farmworkers, individuals, and families be able to call a safe and stable place home.”
Advice for building a fulfilling career
For current O’Neill students or recent grads navigating their own next steps, Barrett encourages leaning into hands-on learning opportunities and staying connected to their values.
“While at SPEA, I was assigned a case study in one of my classes. I knew after graduation that I wanted to move to Chicago, so I picked to profile Bethel New Life, a community-based organization on Chicago’s West Side focused on serving those in need. That experience helped me connect to my future city and career path.”
She also encourages students to explore their strengths, push their boundaries, and stay grounded in who they are.
“There’s a difference between being good at something and being great at something. The roles where I’ve felt most fulfilled are the ones where I’m using my strengths and showing up as my best self,” she said.
Looking back, Barrett is grateful for the education and support she received at IU and the O’Neill School. It gave her the confidence to explore, evolve, and lead with purpose.
“The groundwork SPEA laid for me will always be near and dear to my heart and to my success. I am forever grateful for my experiences at IU and in this program.”
Stephanie Barrett’s journey highlights the powerful impact O’Neill School graduates can have when they combine their education with a commitment to service—leading change, building community, and improving lives.
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