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Stephanie Duckworth grew up on Chappaquiddick, a small island off of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. Set apart from the mainland and set apart from the mainstream as a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), she was the product of a broken home and a life filled with challenges and low expectations. When her school counselor told her that “Wampanoags” don’t go to college, Stephanie realized she would have to make it on her own. She declared herself an emancipated minor and graduated high school with honors. Armed with a map and a 1980 Chevy Impala, Stephanie made her way to New Jersey to attend Douglass College-Rutgers University. After graduating as a Mabel Smith scholar, she went on to the New School for Social Research-Graduate Faculty where she received her first Masters degree and then to Rutgers University-Newark for her second Masters degree.

While in school Stephanie maintained her roots to her Tribal community, serving as Youth Director during summer breaks and eventually becoming the Assistant Education Director. She has performed hundreds of lectures on Native American education, culture and social and political issues. Her commitment to Native youth is evidenced in her tireless efforts on their behalf and in her association with the Jana’s Kids Foundation.

As an educator she has worked with some of the most prestigious institutions of learning including Princeton University, Rutgers University, The College of New Jersey, Colorado Technical University and more. Her dynamic personality and positive attitude is an inspiration to all who come in contact with her.


In 2009, Stephanie founded Wampum Books, a new breed of publishing company deeply committed to the importance of discovering and publishing captivating, well-written and well-illustrated books, with a special emphasis on Native American authors. The first book to be released by her company is her own Poneasequa Goddess of the Waters.

www.wampumbooks.com

Stephanie Duckworth grew up on Chappaquiddick, a small island off of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. Set apart from the mainland and set apart from the mainstream as a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), she was the product of a broken home and a life filled with challenges and low expectations. When her school counselor told her that “Wampanoags” don’t go to college... More