Kid Governor® is a national award-winning civics program created by The Connecticut Democracy Center and led in Oklahoma by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA).
OICA was established to create a strong advocacy network that would provide a voice for the needs of children and youth in Oklahoma, particularly those in the state’s care and those growing up amid poverty, violence, abuse and neglect, disparities, or other situations that put their lives and future at risk. OICA has remained vigilant to that mission, fighting for policies that improve the lives of children and families and being their voice at the State Capitol and in the communities where they live and learn. For more information, please visit www.oica.org.
OICA published, Mighty Mia and Dyna-Bit Save Democracy.
Emma Stephens was born July 21,
2013 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She was
adopted by David and Dayna Stephens
in October 2014. She lives in Carter
County Oklahoma with her parents and
brother. As a member of Trinity
Baptist Church, Emma has
participated in five mission trips
working in low-income communities.
She has been involved in cross-country
racing as a member of the Lone Grove
Elementary and Oak Hall Episcopal
school teams. During her time at Oak
Hall, she has performed in several
vocal and theater productions. Most
recently, she was selected to represent
the school in the 2025 Circle the State
with Song program. Emma is also a
reading buddy for the Kindergarten
and First Grade classes and a sign
language team member. She is one of
two Oak Hall students selected as a
member of the Ardmore Middle School
Band. She joined the Lone Grove 4H
Club during her 5th grade year and has
been an active club member since. In
October 2024, Emma was elected to
the position of Kid Governor for the
State of Oklahoma. During her time as
Kid Governor, she has led a cabinet of 7
members working closely with state
representatives on legislation
influencing education in Oklahoma.
Emma and her cabinet have performed
community service work helping the
homeless and supporting child
advocacy organizations. She has
conducted multiple interviews
promoting reading education and child
advocacy during her tenure. She has
produced material to help inform
Oklahoma teachers about the Kid
Governor program and encourage
participation. Emma is hoping to
continue working to improve the status
of education in Oklahoma and in
coming years.
