2008 Most Influential Women Honoree: Judy Bilyeu

Consider the makeover idea she took to the Children’s Foundation of Mid-America’s Regional Girls Shelter in Springfield.

“I went on the board not knowing much about it, and I lost my heart completely. It’s been a wonderful experience,” says Bilyeu, corporate marketing director for Metro Builders Supply.

The Regional Girls Shelter provides residential care for girls between the ages of 11 and 18 who have been abandoned, abused or neglected, and many of them are in Family Services’ custody.

At the shelter’s main facility, Bilyeu’s practiced eye noticed a kitchen in dire need of a facelift. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” was just gaining in popularity, and Bilyeu saw an opportunity via her membership in the Springfield Design Association.

“I was thinking, ‘OK, if I’m a girl … and away from home, what am I going to think when I walk in here?,’” Bilyeu says. “I just had the idea (that maybe) the Springfield Design Association (would) take over a kitchen makeover. … It snowballed into a major kitchen makeover.”

Other people then saw opportunities, and someone suggested having businesses adopt a bedroom makeover with new paint, bedding and linens.

“When (a) girl came in and had her first night, maybe it was a little more comforting,” Bilyeu says.

Bilyeu has a bachelor’s degree in business communication with a minor in journalism from Missouri State University.

Prior to joining Metro Builders Supply, she developed advertising campaigns at OnMedia, and Metro Builders was one of her clients. Eventually, Metro Builders Supply offered her a job and the opportunity to relocate to its Tulsa, Okla. headquarters, but Bilyeu wanted, to stay in Springfield.

Today, her job responsibilities have grown to include advertising and marketing for all eight Metro Builders Supply locations. A ninth is scheduled to open soon in Owasso, Okla.

Through her commitment to bettering the community, Bilyeu has parlayed her position and her employer’s willingness to get involved to benefit local organizations.

In addition to her work at the shelter, Bilyeu has created fundraising events for Springfield Public Schools, The Kitchen and Bridges for Youth.

Through a conversation with her boss, who wanted to do something for SPS, Bilyeu developed a cookbook that raised $9,000 for a program aimed at high school students with poor reading skills.

Developing and leading the “Win a Kitchen for The Kitchen”?promotion raised more than $20,000 for the nonprofit, and Bilyeu also has raised funds for Bridges for Youth by hosting a cooking competition.

“If everybody did a little something, what a difference they can make,” Bilyeu says. “There is so much that can be done. I just feel like it’s our responsibility.”

Name an influential woman, living or dead, you’d like to meet. Why?

Maya Angelou, because of her soulful spirit and her ability to express her thoughts so eloquently.

What advice do you have for young women just getting started professionally?

I would encourage all young women to find something outside of their daily routines they feel passionate toward. Talents may vary, but we all have a way to give back.

As a young girl, what were your career aspirations?

I wanted to be a TV newscaster.

What celebrity have others compared you to, or do you identify with?

I’ve never been compared to a celebrity. I would like to be compared to Paula Deen, but I’d have to learn to cook first.

Tell us about your family.

I’m about to celebrate my fifth anniversary. My incredible husband, Rick, is the senior merchandise manager at Silver Dollar City. My daughter, Madison, was recently married. She and her husband, Josh, will graduate in May from MSU and plan to do (foreign) mission work. My son, Brock, is a Glendale senior, basketball player and active in Young Life. My stepdaughter, Brittany, an amazing artist, is a senior at MSU majoring in graphic arts, and my stepson, Chase, is a junior at MSU, a self-taught musician and an aspiring chef.

Web Exclusive: How does Judy recommend beating chocolate cravings?

Answer: When (they) hit, I eat icing right out of the can. [[In-content Ad]]