Ambassador of the Month: Stella Crewse

The Ambassadors are proud to recognize Stella Crewse as July’s Ambassador of the Month!

 

Kansas City, MO | Tuesday, July 27, 2021 - Stella has been an active member since the Chambers’ inception and has been a part of the Ambassador Program for over five years. Stella currently sits on the Ambassadors Executive Committee, transforming the program and directing the future of Ambassador engagement as the group navigated through virtual programming during the onset of COVID-19. We thank Stella for always showing up, no matter the circumstances, and the Morgan Miller Plumbing family for their continued support of the Chamber.

 

Learn More about Stella...

Stella is a county girl at heart who grew up near Springfield, Missouri, where she enjoyed working on cars with her dad. One of her first jobs was custom mixing paint for contractors at a local paint store. Stella earned her BA in Accounting from Missouri State University before moving to Kansas City.

Stella began her career in Kansas City as an Accounting Clerk at Passport Travel before spending a few years as a stay-at-home mom. In 2003, Stella joined Morgan Miller Plumbing as a part-time bookkeeper. In 2006, Stella became Office Manager and was quickly promoted to Controller. She spearheaded a company re-branding and reorganization, identifying the company’s focus, values, and culture and creating a strategic plan that was sharply focused on the company’s ideals. In 2013, Stella was promoted again to CEO with full responsibility of overseeing all company operations.

Stella is the Membership Manager for the Kansas City Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, is a member of the Executive Committee for Habitat for Humanity ReStore, is a Board Member of the Connected Commerce Council and is an Ambassador for the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Her other accomplishments include past Board Chair for the South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, a graduate of the Kay Barnes Leadership Program and a graduate of the South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Leadership program.

In her free time, Stella enjoys traveling, camping, gardening and is a lifelong Girl Scout.

 

Why did you join the chamber or get involved if your organization was already a member?

One of our former employees, Belinda Manos, asked the company to join the Chamber as a charter member. I began attending meetings and was blown away by how friendly and welcoming everyone was.  It quickly became my favorite networking activity.

 

What/why did you join the ambassador program?

I wanted to get to know more people, so I decided to join the Ambassadors where I would be able to meet everyone when they attend events.

 

What advice do you have to someone that is curious about getting involved with the Ambassadors or the Chamber?

Just do it. From LGBTQ+ to Ally, The Chamber represents a diverse population of not only people but businesses.  Get involved and get to know people. You will learn about businesses from Ability KC to Zurich Insurance and everything in between.

 

What benefits have you received from being an ambassador? 

I truly wasn’t sure what to expect when I joined the Ambassador group.  I still felt like I didn’t know very many people, but it has been amazing.  I have made many new friends and learned so much.  The Kay Barnes Leadership program was so fantastic that I have sent several other employees through.  I’ve been involved for so long now that I can’t say that I keep going just for the networking.  I truly look forward to seeing everyone and being a part of this group.

 

Why do you think businesses should join the LGBT Chamber of Commerce?

The people – hands down.  Everyone I have met through the LGBT Chamber has been so nice.  This doesn’t feel like your average chamber of commerce (because we are so FABULOUS! Insert hair flip). Seriously, the people and businesses that are represented are so diverse.  I would challenge anyone to find a more diverse group to connect with. Once they get to know you, they will fiercely support you and your business.