Stella holds a Master's in Public Administration and a Bachelor's in Political Science, as well as a certificate in Advanced Fundraising.
During her two-decade tenure as Development Director at the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, Stella built one of the nation’s most successful nonprofit private fundraising programs, raising over $25 million and creating two annual marquee events: the City of Justice Awards Dinner and the Women for a New Los Angeles Luncheon. An outspoken advocate for gender equity, Stella is especially proud of the work of Women for a New Los Angeles to elevate and celebrate the achievements of women leaders in politics, activism, business and the arts. The event quickly grew from its foundation in 2004 into one of the nation’s premier women-focused fundraising events, featuring Jane Fonda, Arianna Huffington, Connie Rice, Gabrielle Carteris, Julie Su, Holly Mitchell, and many other prominent changemakers. Stella also built one of the most unique, sectorally diverse advisory boards, bringing together executives from all over the country to build power for LAANE.
In 2015, Stella was appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti to serve as a Commissioner on the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board. She also worked to increase civic participation through her board service with the Getty House Foundation. For many years, she served as a volunteer with the Armenian General Benevolent Union, an international humanitarian organization, helping elevate their work and profile in Los Angeles. She currently is a founding board member at Gender Equity Policy Institute, and also is an Advisory Board Member at LAANE.
Stella moved to Los Angeles when she was 15 years old, seeking freedom and safety from the Iranian Revolution. She has lived in Porter Ranch for forty years, where she raised her family.
