Our Crew
Sheila Vemmer
Principal
Sheila Vemmer is a communications strategist and creative problem-solver who helps communities, developers, and organizations tell their stories with clarity and impact. Drawing on a background in journalism, design, historic preservation, preservation planning, and urban planning—as well as international project experience—she blends sharp research skills with an eye for narrative to connect audiences with meaningful projects. Sheila’s work spans grant writing, web design, and public engagement—always with a focus on making information accessible, relevant, and inspiring.
Over the course of her career, Sheila has led projects ranging from citywide historic resources surveys to neighborhood revitalization strategies, working alongside municipalities, nonprofit organizations, developers, and community groups. A former photojournalist and documentarian, she brings a trained eye for detail and storytelling to every project. Her portfolio includes managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, securing funding through competitive grants, and delivering clear, actionable plans that move ideas into reality. Whether coordinating preservation and planning efforts or guiding public engagement in diverse settings, Sheila is recognized for producing high-quality work that earns trust and drives results.
Mariah Walters Orose
Partner
Mariah brings 20 years of communications experience in newspapers, nonprofits, and federal contracting. As a consummate editor, she considers herself a reader advocate and message manager.
She blends her communications experiences with a passion for public health and the environment. Mariah is currently pursuing a master's degree from George Washington University.
Her professional affiliations include the Public Relations Society of America, American Public Health Association, and the National Capital Area Environmental Health Association (where she is the director of communications on the board of directors).
Mariah lives in Virginia and enjoys exploring with her husband and kids.
Clare McLellan
Operations Manager
Clare was born and raised in Kansas City, but upon graduating from the University of Kansas with a B.S. in Journalism she took off on a 20-year tour of the major cities in the U.S. Starting out her career in the world of magazine publishing in Chicago for 5 years, she then transferred to New York City and worked in digital advertising for major online media companies. After 8 years of relishing all the Big Apple had to offer, she switched coasts and switched gears into business operations for a boutique marketing firm in Los Angeles.
A nearly 2-year stint working for CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) in L.A. during the COVID-19 pandemic, traveling the state of California (and beyond) to set up testing and vaccination sites in underserved areas, ignited a desire to do more purpose-driven work. And seven years of permanent summer in SoCal were enough to realize she missed the natural pace of the seasons, and that there really is no place like home.
She returned to Kansas City in 2022 where she followed her passion to work in historic preservation as the Office Manager for Rosin Preservation. She is now thrilled to be working for 1MC wearing several hats - project manager, editor, grant writer - and whatever else comes her way. Saving old buildings and building a more equitable and kinder world are the things that keep this night owl burning the midnight oil.