St. Pete is celebrated for its fabulous weather, beautiful vistas, world-class food scene, and thriving cultural atmosphere, but the people of St. Pete truly make this city something special. In appreciation, each month Green Bench shines a light on one of the many people who make St. Pete unique. This month we are directing the spotlight on St. Pete Pride Co-Vice President, Stephanie Morge.
Childhood Influences
Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Morge was adopted as a toddler by a white family. Until a recent DNA test confirmed her multiracial background, she was unsure of her exact ethnic heritage. Her physical appearance differed from that of the rest of her family. Unlike her parents and adopted siblings, she appeared to have a multiracial or Latin background. Outsiders sometimes offered their opinions. Dealing in a positive way with these internal and external assumptions helped build her outlook on life. She actively sought to be part of a diverse community. Her mother was an important influence: A microbiologist, she raised three kids alone after Morge’s father died just before her adoption was complete. From her mother, Morge learned the importance of drive and dedication. As a lesbian Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) woman, Morge belongs to several traditionally marginalized groups. She has chosen to push beyond those societally imposed limitations and strive to be a champion for herself and others.
From East Coast to West
Morge moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2002 to attend the University of South Florida. Graduating in 2006 with a degree in finance, she chose to stay in her adopted home. Hired immediately by a mortgage company, she quickly realized that she wanted something more. She wanted to be part of a company that was grounded in the local community that she had grown to love. She also wanted to find work that would allow her an opportunity to help people. Soon after, she took a position with Power Design, Inc. Since then, she has worked to better prepare herself to step into more prominent roles in her effort to serve others, including earning a Disruptive Leadership certificate from Stetson University and graduating from the Leadership St. Pete class of 2020. Currently, Morge is Power Design Inc. ‘s director of education and training and serves on the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion committee. She volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and USF’s Women in Leadership & Philanthropy (WLP) and serves on the boards of Reach St. Pete, SPCA Tampa Bay, CASA Pinellas, and St. Pete Pride.
St. Pete Pride 365
As St. Pete Pride’s Co-Vice President, Morge hopes to expand the group’s external sphere of influence and its internal inclusivity. As she noted, this goal is “more important than ever,” given legislation that is designed to marginalize and punish the LGTBQ+ community. St. Pete Pride is committed to year-round programming that increases awareness and supports the community while reminding people that Pride isn’t just a month-long party. As a board member and a member of the LGTBQ+ community, Morge strives to be part of the solution. She knows that the safety and happiness of the community as well as her family – her wife, Misty, and their three cats and two dogs – may depend on it.
