A chat with Stephanie Roberson

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Today we welcome a first-time guest to the podcast: Stephanie Roberson, of Stephanie Roberson Strategies. Roberson formed SRS, a boutique, black-owned single member firm, in late 2022 after 15 years representing the California Nurses Association. During Roberson’s tenure, the Nurses waged fierce battles in the capitol over guaranteed universal healthcare, and confronted the COVID epidemic. She sat down with us to talk about her decision to go out on her own, her experiences with CNA and her mentors and role models.

2:01 A shift in the lobbying community

3:06 Broadcast news?

4:59 Pivot

5:57 A broader group of clients

8:48 The Nurses and COVID

12:47 The reality of lobbying vs. the image

14:03 The best and worst of times

17:07 Going solo

18:26 “Presumptive Eligibility”

21:28 More women in prominent roles

22:40 Bob Hertzberg

25:02 Role models and mentors

30:51 Priorities for 2025

36:56 DC

40:36 #WWCA