Stephanie Morge is a champion for our community. She has garnered a great deal of respect for her visible contributions to leadership and philanthropy, working with a variety of local organizations. She regularly donates her time and talents to make a difference for such organizations as CASA Pinellas (Community Action Stops Abuse), Reach St. Pete, SPCA Tampa Bay (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Habitat for Humanity and St. Pete Pride. She sits on several boards and committees, including Women in Leadership & Philanthropy (WLP) and the Black Alumni Society at the University of South Florida (USF), her alma mater.
She has continued to have a powerful impact at USF by serving on committees, mentoring students and sharing her insights as a speaker.
“Stephanie is deeply passionate about supporting USF students, which shines through in everything she does,” explains Lauren Gstalder, executive director of WLP. “Her leadership, warmth and dedication are inspiring and make her an invaluable part of our community.”
Community lies at the heart of Morge’s mission, and her hands-on efforts have helped propel the growth of the organizations she supports.
“Stephanie’s leadership and commitment as vice-chair of CASA’s board of directors have been critical in helping our organization reach new heights. In addition to rolling up her sleeves and always being one to volunteer for a myriad of activities, Stephanie is a passionate advocate who remains calm, cool and collected in her leadership. This is a powerful combination that inspires everyone involved in advancing our mission, from the board of directors to those engaged in grassroots activities,” explains CEO Lariana Forsythe. “Stephanie's passion for philanthropy shines in her personal and professional life. She has strong community ties, always supports local St. Pete businesses and organizations and brings her network’s support together to make CASA shine.”
Morge was raised in South Florida and relocated to Tampa in 2002, where she graduated from USF with a degree in finance. A short time later, she was hired by Power Design, Inc. and moved across the bay—becoming, in her words, a “St. Peteian.”
“It is such a unique blend of past and present, with art, innovation and community creating a thriving blend of culture,” she says of her adopted city. “The people here truly care about St. Pete, their fellow residents and where the city goes next.”
Her passion for the community was intensified when she was accepted into Leadership St. Pete, a dynamic six-month program designed to promote and enhance civic engagement and leadership, operated by the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. “It transformed my understanding of the city and further fueled my desire to make a difference,” she asserts.
At Power Design, where she leads the company’s expansive Learning & Development department, she and her team provide employee development opportunities using targeted training, learning technology and performance evaluation. She also oversees Power Design’s leadership and career initiatives including their federally registered apprenticeship program and serves on the company’s DEI committee.
“I operate under a servant leader mentality, so what I get out of volunteering is knowing I’m helping others,” she offers. “Seeing the difference that boards, committees and staff can make when everyone comes together for a mission energizes me and makes everything worth it.”
This transformational leadership philosophy prioritizes the growth and well-being of others to create a positive impact. The benefit for employees and the larger community is leadership that is more interested in serving the common good than advancing their own ambitions. It requires humility, modesty, collaboration and a willingness to share credit—qualities that stand in stark contrast to today’s cultural focus on self-promotion and personal recognition.
“Stephanie has been an active member of our board of directors for five years and a strong supporter even before she joined our leadership team. I remember the first time we spoke, at least 10 years ago, when one of the Power Design teams found a litter of kittens on a job site. They were anxious to help the kittens and brought them directly to our shelter. That started a long and wonderful partnership that Stephanie has helped cultivate. She knows Power Design has many pet lovers on their staff and she makes sure they are involved in our annual Pet Walk,” shares SPCA Tampa Bay President and CEO Martha Boden. “She is generous with her time and wisdom, helping us shape and support a truly phenomenal group of volunteer leaders. I feel very fortunate to have her counsel as we create a community where every animal matters.”
We chatted with the charismatic community advocate to learn more about her journey.
"My mom is my number one inspiration."
Do you recall what first got you interested in community service?
My mom is my number one inspiration—a widowed mother of three before she turned 40, she worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful life for me and my siblings. A role model beyond the home, she became an accomplished microbiologist and always looked out for others along the way. While I was in high school, I vividly remember a young woman my mom worked with who had two young children and very little support. My mom would help with household needs and babysitting, always bringing me along so I could understand the value of giving back.
What draws you to volunteer for the organizations
you work with?
Every organization I work with is directly related to a passion or personal experience. For example, in high school I was in an abusive relationship and when I learned about CASA, I immediately wanted to be involved. Being part of an organization means its mission and values have to be aligned with mine. I don’t get involved just to get involved, or to have my name on something—I want to make a difference.
Is your community work something you and your wife can do together?
On occasion, she joins me in volunteering, as long as it doesn’t interfere too much with her pickleball schedule! She has served on Reach St. Pete’s Literacy Program and leads the LGBTQ employee resource group where she works.
How do you balance your volunteer commitments with your work life?
Power Design is a huge supporter of outreach to the community. The company is very family-focused and the leaders want their employees to be a part of the community and support it. To do this, they have instituted the Power Design V5 Program. V5 represents the company’s top values of teamwork, accountability, integrity, innovation and growth. We raise money by recycling metal and wire scraps from our job sites, with the proceeds going into a charitable fund. Throughout the year, employees can submit requests for donations to support local organizations.
What has been some of your best experiences volunteering?
One of the best experiences was mentoring some young female college students through WLP. Being able to pour into them and help them navigate life and work towards their goals was so rewarding. I would also say getting to work alongside future homeowners as part of a Habitat build was really inspiring.
What makes you excited to get up every morning?
Seeing what each day holds, both professionally and personally. As someone who used to be change-averse, I now embrace the ‘rollercoaster’ that I experience most weeks. By doing so, I’ve been able to develop my abilities and resiliency. Having lost loved ones throughout my life, I view everything with relativity. Doing this helps ground me during trying times and allows me to reframe my thinking.
What is your typical day like?
Usually, a full day of meetings at work, followed by a workout session at St. Pete Strength Club and then either a board or committee meeting. Mixed in with all of that is usually some calls with family and snuggles with our fur babies when I get home. On a good day, I have time to make dinner or try a new recipe, but often that ends up being the exception given my schedule. It’s important to balance priorities, so I schedule self-care to avoid burning out. It is all worth it, though, as I get to see the difference made to those who are supported by these organizations.
