We Are Southren Group: Stephanie Cudmore

At Southren Group, our people are the heart of everything we do. In this series, we’re spotlighting the minds and big hearts behind our mission—to empower people to think, be, and do better. If you’ve come across any of our communications—whether it’s a program brochure, a social post, a newsletter, or a story that stuck with you—there’s a good chance Stephanie Cudmore had a hand in it. As our Marketing and Communications Manager, Stephanie brings years of experience and a rich, creative spirit that threads beautifully through everything we share with the world.

Her journey into marketing began years ago at Roots Canada, where she stepped into a dynamic role as Marketing and Communications Manager. It was an exciting time filled with grassroots initiatives, celebrity partnerships, and product placement strategies that got her thinking big about brand identity and storytelling. That early chapter laid the foundation for a career that would span industries and evolve alongside her life.

After working in various marketing roles, Stephanie took a creative detour that let her combine passion with practicality: she became a personal chef. It was the perfect job while her kids were young—flexible, fulfilling, and still very much rooted in service and creativity. And though she loved that chapter, as her children grew up, so did her desire to return to the marketing world, bringing with her a fresh perspective and renewed purpose.

Stephanie grew up in Eastern Ontario, where the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands weren’t just scenery—they were a way of life. Summers meant days on the water, exploring every bend and bay of the river she still holds close. After 35 years away—raising their family and building careers—she and her husband recently returned to the area. Together, they built their own home from the ground up, living in it as they finished it, a project that reminded her just how meaningful and rewarding it is to take on hard things with the people you love. Now, they’re reimmersed in the rhythms of the place that’s always felt like home.

As a child, Stephanie thought she might become a teacher—something that made perfect sense growing up in a household of educators. She even gave it a go once, teaching high school students how to cook. “That was enough,” she says with a laugh. “It quickly showed me that my version of teaching lives elsewhere.” She studied sociology at Western University, and while she may not have realized it then, the degree shaped her approach to people, community, and communication in lasting ways.

Outside of work, Stephanie is all about family. Her husband and two young adult children are her pride and joy. Watching them launch their own lives has been one of her greatest sources of happiness. She still finds peace in the water, joy in boating, and energy in creative pursuits—especially those that let her connect, create, and communicate.

At Southren Group, she’s found a space that not only embraces her creativity but amplifies it. “I love the work I get to do,” she says. “But what really makes it special is the team. Sometimes I honestly can’t believe I get to work with such brilliant, insightful, compassionate people. It’s inspiring.”

Her role is deeply connected to Southren Group’s mission—to empower people to think, be, and do better. Through clear, consistent messaging, Stephanie ensures that every communication reflects that mission and our core values: Connectedness, Contribution, Collaboration, Inspiration, Aspiration, Growth, Empowerment, and Autonomy. She’s the steward of our brand’s voice, making sure that when people see or hear something from Southren Group, it feels like us—on purpose, with purpose.

In many ways, Stephanie’s story mirrors the heart of Southren Group itself—evolving, deeply rooted in values, and always moving forward with intention.