Neo Magazine and Leadership 100 have partnered to present a monthly profile of the New Generation of Leaders who belong to the Leadership 100 Partners Program which recruits young Greek American professionals on the rise in their careers, making membership affordable and providing a network for meeting their peers.
Leadership 100 was founded 25 years ago by the visionary Archbishop Iakovos and a small band of outstanding Greek American businessmen who wished to support the Greek Orthodox Church and perpetuate their faith and Hellenic heritage in America, passing it on to future generations.
Stefanie Gail Roumeliotes
Position: President & Founder of SGR Consulting, Fundraising & Strategic Development
Education: University of California, Los Angeles
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and grew close to my Faith and Greek heritage at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Belmont, California. I also spent each summer living on the coast of Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts with family. My father arrived in America at the age of 13 and his family settled in Massachusetts after leaving Greece in the late 1940’s. My mother was born and raised in the Greek Orthodox community of Dover, New Hampshire. Both felt strongly that their children return to the Northeast each year and stay connected to their first-generational roots.
Who or what were the main influences in your life?
My grandfather, who helped raise me, was a Greek immigrant who graduated from Brown University in the 1930’s. He taught me the importance of education as a gateway to opportunity. But the women in my family, particularly my mother, have had the greatest influence on my life. I have always been awed by their courage, strength and grace under fire; raising children, being devoted wives, achieving success in their careers or philanthropic work and most importantly in their commitment to preserving and promoting our Greek Orthodox Faith and Hellenic culture. They were instrumental in nurturing my development and gave me the confidence that I could do or be anything in this lifetime as long as I remained true to my values, faith and heritage.
How did you get into your present work?
I believe politics chooses you, you don’t choose it. I was deeply affected by my late godfather who was very involved in San Francisco and California State society and politics during my early years. I had the opportunity to observe strategic and tactical meetings hosted at his home during my formative years. This sparked a lifelong fascination with campaign politics and public service. From congressional internships starting at the age of 15 to serving as high school student body president, I have always had the drive and desire to participate actively in my community. In 2000, I jumped at the opportunity to learn fundraising on Dianne Feinstein’s US Senate reelection campaign. After that, I was deputy finance director for Phil Angelides’ gubernatorial campaign, and in 2004, I created my own political and philanthropic fundraising firm. Since then, I have been committed to raising funds for AIDS research and helping the Democrats regain control of our government.
As a successful American you could and perhaps have joined major organizations that are focused more on mainstream society. Why L100?
As a Greek-American, I am blessed with a heritage that combines two of the most idealistic and democratic societies the world has ever known. In addition, being raised in the Greek Orthodox Church has given me incredibly valuable insight into my own community and culture as well as that of our ancestors. L100 is my way of supporting Orthodoxy and Hellenism on a national level. I see this commitment as an extension of my mother’s long-term involvement with the Church and its philanthropic arm, Philoptochos. Her dedication and years of service inspire me to stay closely connected and involved in our local and national Orthodox and Hellenic programs.
How would you evaluate your experience in the organization so far?
I absolutely love the organization. Through the L100 Partners Program, I have been able to connect with different Orthodox Faith-based programs and financial initiatives as well as network with some of the most influential and successful leaders in our community. I am also thrilled to see that the L100 Partners Program is growing and that younger members are joining every year.
As a new generation leader, what are some ideas of yours on the future of Leadership 100?
With the L100 Partners Program on the rise and growing each year, I would like to see more L100 Partners be given the opportunity to serve in leadership roles within the Organization to help keep the charitable activities fresh and focused. I would also like to see the L100 Partners Program schedule more prospecting events throughout the country, on an annual basis, to help promote membership.
How has your involvement in Leadership 100 proved valuable in other activities of your life?
Through the annual L100 conferences, I have met like-minded Greek-Americans who have also become my close friends. These are friendships that I know will last throughout our lifetime and together we will ensure that our generation is successful in preserving and promoting our faith and heritage.
What qualities do you most admire or value in others?
Courage, Balance, Faith, Heart, Integrity, Generosity, Passion and Resilience.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
When I was asked to be Hillary Clinton’s Northwestern Finance Director in the last presidential campaign, I never expected that I would play such a significant role in helping a female presidential candidate obtain over 18 million votes in the Democratic presidential primary, and therefore making 18 million cracks in the highest and hardest glass ceiling. I have been so blessed to have worked with some of the greatest political and philanthropic leaders of our time. I am humbled and amazed by these experiences, and grateful for the opportunity to have an impact on our world.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Women who break new ground! My heroes are the women of my mother’s and grandmother’s generation who took the critical first steps and showed my generation how to find balance in our personal and professional lives. I have been inspired by women entrepreneurs like Susie Tompkins Buell, the founder and co-owner of Espirit clothing company, which was known for its revolutionary fusion of corporate mission with responsibility. After leaving Espirit in 1996, Susie could have chosen to retire to a life of leisure but instead created a foundation and became very active to helping organizations in areas such as at-risk youth, AIDS awareness, direct care, women’s issues and the environment. I am also inspired each day by women in public service such as Secretary Hillary Clinton, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senators Olympia Snowe, Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer. These women all have families, are devoted wives, are highly educated and chose to dedicate their time and talents to public service everyday.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I am blessed to be able to do good work everyday in politics and philanthropy within the parameters of my business. When I am able to step away from work, I love to spend time outside in the California sun working out or enjoying good food and fine wine, while spending time with my family and friends. I also love to travel and I make time to do so as often as possible.
What are your thoughts on the current economic crisis?
I find it extremely disturbing and I do not envy those that are left to pick up the pieces. Everyone has been hit financially in some capacity and everyone will continue to feel this financial burden for years to come. Working with non-profits and in politics I have seen the impact on individuals as well as foundations and non-profit organizations. My hope is that this crisis will bring out the best in us as individuals. We have a long road ahead. The only way we get through this tough time is by supporting one another as a united America.
Where would you like to be in your professional and personal life 20 years from now?
I hope that I can continue to bring passion, commitment and vision to both my professional and personal life. I hope to achieve balance with both, and spend the next 20+ years of my life with a husband and children that will experience this great journey with me.
What is your idea of happiness?
I believe that happiness is a simple thing. Life is too short and time is too precious to dwell on what might have been. It is about being at peace everyday with who you are, where you are and who you are with; taking in each day with faith, gratitude and love, knowing that this life is a blessing.