Executive Chef Megan Stoller: Leading with Resilience, Mentorship, and Empowerment
March is Women’s History Month, and in 2025, the theme is "Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations," led by the National Women’s History Alliance. This theme celebrates the powerful influence of women dedicated to education, mentorship, and leadership.
Executive Chef Megan Stoller exemplifies these qualities in her role at Modita, located in the Bottleworks Hotel off Mass Ave in downtown Indianapolis. We sat down with Chef Megan to learn about her journey, leadership, and hopes for the future.
Chef Megan’s passion for cooking began in childhood, sparked by watching Emeril Lagasse on TV every day after school. She was captivated by his enthusiasm, the energy of the live audience, and the magic of creating food. “Watching him create food was so intriguing to me,” she recalls. “He truly sparked my interest in cooking at a young age.”
Her inspiration continued at her first professional kitchen job, where she worked under a female sous chef who played a pivotal role in shaping her career.
“She taught me so much about working in kitchens—from technical skills to the confidence and professionalism needed to thrive as a woman in this industry. One of the best pieces of advice she gave me was to never let someone push me into a position I wasn’t ready for. No one will know when you’re ready for a role better than you do. That advice has guided me throughout my career and helped shape who I am today.”
Every kitchen Chef Megan has worked in has contributed to her growth. She believes in continuous learning and often reflects on the words of one of her chef mentors: “If you’re not growing, you’re dying.”
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Chef Megan has faced and overcome many challenges.
“I have worked with mostly male chefs, with only a handful of female chefs throughout my career. I knew I had to work harder to get to where I wanted to be. A strong work ethic, determination, and resilience helped me earn my position as Executive Chef at Modita. I’ve had to prove myself in every kitchen, and over time, I’ve grown my self-confidence, which has been key to overcoming the challenges of being a woman in professional kitchens.”
For Chef Megan, leadership goes beyond running a team—it’s about fostering an environment where people feel valued, motivated, and inspired to grow in their craft.
“Leadership isn’t just about getting the job done; it’s about creating a workplace where people feel supported. Kitchens can be intense, so I make it a priority to check in on my staff’s well-being. Offering support, being patient, and knowing when someone needs encouragement creates a stronger, more loyal team. I believe a leader sets the tone for the restaurant, so I lead by example—through accountability, hard work, and ownership. I also focus on mentorship, constantly providing feedback and encouraging growth.”
Reflecting on her journey, Chef Megan shares the advice she wishes she could give her younger self:
“When you’re in the weeds, just know that it will end—there’s always an end. If you keep telling yourself you can do something, eventually, you’ll believe it and achieve it.”
She hopes to inspire the next generation of chefs by encouraging collaboration over competition and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
“The best dishes come from teamwork—when chefs collaborate, brainstorm, and bounce ideas off each other. One of the core values at Cunningham Restaurant Group is connection, and I embrace that by fostering a team mentality. It’s also crucial to take care of yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in this industry and forget self-care, but prioritizing your well-being is just as important as your passion for cooking.”
When guests dine at Modita, Chef Megan wants them to experience an explosion of flavors and feel the warmth of a comforting meal.
“I want our food to feel like a big hug at the end of the meal,” she says.
The feedback from guests keeps her motivated through the long hours and challenges of the industry.
“There’s nothing like reading a great review that mentions a dish I put on the menu.”
As for her legacy, Chef Megan hopes to be remembered for her work ethic, determination, high standards, and drive to always do better. Through her leadership and passion, she continues to pave the way for future generations of chefs, proving that resilience, mentorship, and teamwork can create a lasting impact in the culinary world.