Stephanie Cowan

Stephanie Cowan is a Connections Specialist, Speaker, Community Advocate, Storyteller, Artist, and Photographer on a mission to change the way we gather. She is the founder and facilitator of The Drop In, a large-scale, heart-centered connective experience that helps people discover community and feel a deeper sense of belonging. At the center of all her work are a few core ingredients: joy, education, play, vulnerability, nature, and community.

As a Connection Specialist, Stephanie designs experiences that help people feel more connected, engaged, and creatively awake. She has spoken on stages from San Francisco to Florida, inspiring audiences to step into lives that feel aligned, expressive, and community-oriented. She also consults with conferences and businesses to design gatherings that are more connective, participatory, and human-centered.

Stephanie is an established photographer with a studio in San Francisco’s Mission District, where she focuses on authentic portraiture and visual storytelling. She is also the creator of Love, Megawatt, her “everything” art practice using found objects and thrifted items to create one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable self-expression.

She collaborates with event organizers, city activators, and cultural innovators to integrate intentional social experiences into public gatherings. Stephanie is also the former owner of Gold Toast, a creative agency focused on brand storytelling and digital presence. Across all of her work, her focus remains consistent: using creativity as a tool for belonging and meaningful human connection.

When she is not bringing people together, she is usually riding her bike through the city or ribbon dancing in the park. If you see her dancing, please join her for a dance. (She always brings extra ribbons)