Her Story
About Monica
Monica Rouse is a bilingual business professional and the Director of Membership and Development at the St. George Chamber of Commerce in Louisiana. With a natural talent for turning complex processes into simple, actionable steps, Monica specializes in membership growth, program development, and building strong business-to-business connections. In her short tenure at the St. George Chamber, she has already tripled membership numbers and established programs that provide tangible value to local businesses, reflecting her passion for empowering organizations to thrive.
Monica’s path into the chamber world was unconventional. Her early work with essential oils introduced her to chamber networking, sparking a passion for business-to-business engagement. She later joined the Ascension Chamber of Commerce, where she successfully led a 16-week sponsorship campaign, generating over $300,000 in revenue. Her professional philosophy centers on creating environments where teams feel empowered, processes are efficient, and business relationships flourish, combining communication, process development, and training into measurable results.
A graduate of Columbia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Monica also studied graphic design at Louisiana State University and is Sandler Sales Training certified. Outside of work, she enjoys Latin dancing, geocaching, and playing volleyball, embodying the same energy and creativity she brings to her professional life. Monica thrives on making meaningful connections, helping others achieve their goals, and building thriving business communities through innovative solutions and thoughtful leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Monica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to finding fulfillment in my career. Returning to the Chamber of Commerce allowed me to do work I love—connecting people and providing valuable resources. Seeing programs positively impact businesses and watching networking relationships grow is incredibly rewarding.
The Sandler Sales program also shaped my approach, teaching me to build authentic connections, understand people, and meet them where they are—skills that have been invaluable in my growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that it’s never too late. I follow Gary Vaynerchuk, and his message resonates with me: it’s never too late to pursue your passions, learn something new, and keep growing. We’re only as limited as we allow ourselves to be.
I’ve explored many paths until I found a career I truly enjoy, and that advice has been invaluable—reminding me not to give up or feel constrained by circumstances. No matter your age, it’s always possible to discover a new passion and chart a fresh path.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to keep learning and growing. Tools like personality assessments and personal development books can help you understand yourself, improve communication, and build emotional intelligence. Imposter syndrome is common, but recognizing it and understanding how your thoughts shape your reality can help you push past limitations and thrive.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The value that matters most to me in both work and life is connection. I strive to provide meaningful value in every interaction, whether it’s sharing a program that helps a business grow or facilitating networking opportunities that strengthen the community. I’m passionate about helping people and businesses thrive, and seeing those connections flourish is deeply rewarding.
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