Her Story
About Stephanie
Stephanie Helsing is the President and CEO of the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce, a position she assumed on April 1, 2023. A community-focused business leader and accomplished membership professional, she is responsible for the Chamber's day-to-day operations and works with its Board of Directors to develop and implement strategies and programs that advance the economic prosperity of greater Silver Spring. She previously served the Chamber for six years in membership development before joining the Public Affairs Council in Washington, D.C., where she progressed through membership leadership roles and ultimately managed a multimillion-dollar membership portfolio. Her professional strengths include community leadership, membership development, strategic planning, relationship building, networking, and stakeholder engagement.
Helsing's educational and professional journey reflects a longstanding interest in communication, international affairs, community development, and public engagement. She earned a Bachelor of Science and Certificate in Secondary Education in Political Communication/Speech from Emerson College and a Master's degree in International Relations and Affairs from the American University in Cairo. While studying in Cairo, she became the first American recipient of the Ryoshi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship and delivered public presentations focused on environmental and global commons issues, as well as human rights. Her career has taken her through education, community volunteering, membership development, public affairs, and nonprofit and business-community leadership, giving her a broad perspective on how relationships and collaboration can drive organizational and community impact.
Deeply committed to greater Silver Spring, Helsing has been active in the community for many years through volunteer leadership, civic organizations, and neighborhood initiatives. She is a charter member of the Rotary Club of Downtown Silver Spring and has served in leadership with the Corporate Volunteer Council of Montgomery County. Her earlier community involvement included PTA service, Cub and Boy Scout leadership, preschool teaching, neighborhood organizing, and other volunteer initiatives. She describes herself as a connector and networker and believes strongly in the power of collaboration. Her career philosophy is similarly grounded in openness and adaptability: rather than following a predetermined path, she has embraced opportunities as they appeared, trusted her instincts, and allowed each chapter of her professional life to lead naturally to the next.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stephanie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being a connector, a networker, and someone who is willing to recognize and pursue opportunities when they present themselves. My career has followed a very non-linear path, and I have learned not to close myself off to possibilities simply because they do not fit the trajectory I originally imagined.
I also believe my success comes from passion, persistence, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to the communities and organizations I serve. Throughout my career, I have been willing to step into unfamiliar situations, learn along the way, and use my ability to bring people together to move ideas forward. I believe collaboration is essential to meaningful success, because many hands truly do make light work.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women not to close themselves off to one particular career trajectory. My own career has developed through opportunities I never necessarily planned for, and I have learned that an unexpected opportunity can ultimately lead you exactly where you need to be. It is okay to change paths, even in the middle of your journey. There is no single race that everyone has to finish in the same way or at the same time.
I also encourage women to stay connected to their instincts and to trust themselves. We can sometimes spend too much time questioning whether we are making the right decision, but it is important to recognize what allows us to do our best work and feel our best. Do not automatically dismiss an opportunity simply because it is different from what you originally envisioned.
Most importantly, give yourself permission to change direction. I am a strong believer that when one door closes, another door opens. My own life has been shaped by following opportunities as they appeared, and I have never regretted allowing my career to evolve. Women should not allow self-doubt to prevent them from exploring a path that may ultimately be the right one.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Collaboration, community, connection, authenticity, and adaptability are central to the way I approach both my professional and personal life. I believe strongly that people accomplish more when they work together, share their strengths, and remain committed to supporting the communities around them.
I also value being open to change and having the courage to follow opportunities when they arise. My own career has taught me that success does not always follow a straight line, and that trusting yourself while remaining open to new possibilities can lead to meaningful growth.
Above all, I value relationships and service. Whether I am representing the business community, working with community organizations, volunteering, or building professional relationships, I want my work to strengthen connections and create positive opportunities for the people and communities I serve.
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