Get to Know Stefanie: The Change-Maker You’ve Been Waiting For!

Hello, Gilroy! I’m Stefanie Elle and I’m thrilled to be running for City Council. My journey to this point has been anything but ordinary and I’m excited to share a bit about why I’m so passionate about our community.

I’ve been actively involved in shaping our city as a member of the Planning Commission since 2021 and I was reappointed in 2023. During this time, I’ve been asking tough questions, shaking things up, and diving deep into what makes Gilroy tick. My commitment to transparency and accountability is what drives me to take this next step and run for City Council.

But let’s not forget the personal side. My husband, Ivan, is a true Gilroyan and a wonderful partner. He’s Cuban, speaks Spanish as his native language, and shares my love for our vibrant community. Ivan is a commercial HVAC engineer, a writer, and he also plays guitar. Our son, Max, is serving as a Marine, making us incredibly proud. We’re a family of car enthusiasts. We even started a car club to celebrate our classic rides!

Of course, we can’t leave out our loyal German Shepherd, Ms. Maple Bar, who’s not just a family fur-baby but a campaign superstar—catch her “Maple Mondays” on my socials!

Beyond the cars and the campaign, I wear many hats. I’m been a small business owner, a Middle Eastern dancer, and a dedicated beekeeper with the Gilroy Beekeeper Association. I hold a master’s degree in clinical psychology and for over 20 years, I’ve worked as a self-taught engineer in high tech. I also have a passion for biking, gardening, sewing, and DIY home projects. And, as the coolest aunt you’ll ever meet, I love camping, hiking, and hula hooping.

Gilroy is where my heart is and I’m committed to making it a place where everyone can thrive. Together, let’s keep asking the right questions and working towards a future we can all be proud of! To see how I plan to address our most pressing challenges, check out my Issues Page.