Denee Vadell: Shaping a Legacy in Steno and Social Impact

From the Courtroom to the Cover Story: Denee Vadell, known widely as @StenoFluencer, is a powerhouse in the world of court reporting and real-time captioning. A highly certified Senior Court Reporter based in New York City, Denee has spent over a decade transcribing not only proceedings, but history itself—serving accuracy, equity, and representation with every keystroke.

This year, she is being honored with the Impact Award at the JoyTutor Celebrations of Courage Awards for her groundbreaking advocacy, career excellence, and role as a cultural connector and digital influencer.

Denee Vadell – Impact Award Honoree

A Career Rooted in Precision and Purpose

After graduating from Stenotech Career Institute in 2012, Denee launched her career providing CART services to Rutgers University students. From there, she took her talents to the broadcast world with VITAC—the largest captioning company in the U.S.—before becoming an Official Court Reporter in Bronx Criminal Court. In 2024, her tenacity and talent earned her a promotion to Senior Court Reporter at the

New York County Civil Supreme Courthouse.

Certified nationally as a Registered Professional Reporter and holding state credentials in New Jersey and New York, Denee is more than a stenographer—she is a steward of access and advocacy in legal and public spaces.

From TikTok to The New York Times

Denee’s influence extends far beyond the bench. As @StenoFluencer on TikTok and Instagram, she has amassed a loyal following by demystifying the world of stenography and turning curiosity into careers. Her viral content has sparked national attention, appearing in The New York Times, on Hulu’s “Diddy on Trial: As It Happened”, and across TV, radio, and podcast platforms. Her message is clear: the court reporting profession is essential and thriving—and there’s space for everyone to join.

A Leader, A Mentor, A Movement

A passionate advocate for education and inclusion, Denee serves as:

• Ambassador for Plaza College’s School of Court Reporting

• President-Elect of the New York State Court Reporters Association

• Former Chair of the Membership, Marketing, and Outreach Committee for the National Court Reporters Association

• And First Department Director for the New York State Court Reporters Association

Her leadership is matched by her long list of accolades, including:

• 2023 Women’s History Month Honoree – Gender Fairness Committee

• 2023 People’s Choice Award – Steno in the City

• 2024 Rising Star Award – Dallas Salutes Black Excellence in Stenography

• 2024 Excellence in Advocacy Award – Plaza College

• 2025 Public Advocate Award – NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams

Centering Family and Legacy

Amid her trailblazing professional and advocacy work, Denee remains grounded in what matters most—her family. She is a proud boy mom, dog mom, and loving wife, exemplifying balance, heart, and humanity behind the headlines.

Honoring Denee Vadell’s Innovation and Impact

At this year’s JoyTutor Celebrations of Courage Awards, we proudly honor Denee Vadell for using her voice—and her platform—to uplift an entire industry and redefine what advocacy looks like in the digital age. Her legacy is one of accuracy, advocacy, and amplification.

Her presence is proof: when passion meets purpose, every word matters.