05/27/2026
Last week, Southeast Texas YPO had the privilege of hosting Zena Stephens for a powerful and inspiring luncheon focused on leadership, mentorship, and community impact.
Sheriff Stephens shared that before you can truly lead others, you have to figure out who you are first. She spoke on the importance of compassion, reminding us that if you genuinely care about people, it shouldn’t matter what side of the law they’re on.
One of the biggest takeaways was the need to invest in young people early. Everyone in our community can help teach them resilience, financial literacy, accountability, and the value of mentorship. “Don’t let them win every game,” she shared, emphasizing that kids need to learn how to lose, grow, and keep going. Most importantly, kids need love, attention, guidance, and exposure to diverse experiences and people.
Sheriff Stephens also encouraged continuous community engagement and even offered members the opportunity to tour the jail to better understand the justice system firsthand.
Be sure to download the Jefferson County Sheriff TX app to report crimes, submit tips, and stay updated with important public safety information from the Sheriff’s Office. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/jefferson-county-sheriff-tx/id6695725383