Meet Gabrielle Gambrell of New York

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Gambrell.

Hi Gabrielle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My career in communications and storytelling began in high school, where I served as editor-in-chief of Tideline, the student newspaper at Palisades Charter High School. By the time I was 16, I was also teaching the school’s journalism class. Those early experiences helped me recognize my passion for storytelling, teaching and connecting with audiences. At 17, I moved to New York to attend Iona University, where I became president of the college’s radio and television stations. That experience led to an internship at Disney ABC and, shortly after graduation, my first full-time job in television at age 20.
From there, I built a career spanning some of the country’s leading media and communications organizations, including CBS Corporation and Comcast NBCUniversal. My work has covered marketing, public relations, corporate communications, crisis management, media relations and events. I have also developed storytelling initiatives across digital, print, video, editorial and creative platforms, leading award-winning teams in marketing, media relations, news and issues communications.
I went on to serve as worldwide director of communications and public relations at FCB Global, Interpublic Group, an international advertising network with offices in more than 80 countries. Later, at Barnard College of Columbia University, I became the first Black woman and the youngest person to lead communications and marketing since the College was founded in 1889.
Today, I serve as chief communications officer (CCO) of Hachette Book Group, where I bring my experience in media, communications and brand strategy to the publishing industry. I also teach as a graduate adjunct professor at New York University, covering integrated marketing, digital and social media, advanced public relations, media relations, corporate communications and event planning.
Alongside my executive and professor roles, I own Gift of Gabrielle, an award-winning marketing communications agency supporting brands, organizations, and talent to develop and execute campaigns that tell their stories effectively, build stronger brands and increase visibility. Across every stage of my career, I have remained committed to the power of storytelling to shape perceptions, build relationships and bring ideas to wider audiences. I’ve got the Gift of Gab, and am a storyteller in all that I do.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the challenges I’ve navigated is being underestimated because of my age. I entered the professional world early, earning my bachelor’s degree at 20 and my master’s shortly thereafter. By 22, I was a professor and the same age as many of my students. Even now in my thirties, I sometimes find that my age becomes part of the conversation. But I’ve learned that credibility comes from the work you do, the perspective you bring, and the results you deliver. I’ve built a career I’m proud of, and know what I bring to the table.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am proud to be the first Black woman and youngest person to hold the CCO title at a Big Five publishing house. I was appointed Hachette Book Group’s inaugural Chief Communications Officer, joining the Executive Management Board of Hachette Livre, the world’s third-largest trade and educational publisher, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2026.

In my role, I lead branding, corporate, internal and executive communications, media relations, strategic communications, trade fairs, philanthropy, social impact and environmental programs. Throughout my career, I’ve led global teams at Amazon, FCB Global, Comcast NBCUniversal and CBS Corporation, helping organizations tell their stories, build brands and connect with audiences.

Teaching is another important part of my work. I teach graduate courses in integrated marketing, digital and social media, advanced public relations, media relations, corporate communications and event planning. I also serve on the board of my alma mater, Iona University.

I’m honored to have been recognized by PR Net’s Marcomms’ Most Influential List, Color Magazine’s POWER 40 Under 40, Advertising Week’s AWNewYork Future is Female Shortlist, PRNEWS’ Top Women in PR and PRWeek’s Hall of Femme. These honors reflect my commitment to communications, leadership, innovation and helping shape the future of our industry. Originally from Los Angeles, I now live in Westchester County, New York, with my husband, son and daughter.

How do you think about luck?
Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. I am not lucky; I am prepared and qualified. Committed to constant growth, I am intentional about learning, building relationships, and saying yes to opportunities that challenge me. Success is as much about recognizing an opportunity when it presents itself as it is about being prepared to make the most of it. I am moreover immensely blessed and God is so very faithful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.giftofgabrielle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_giftofgab_/
• Threads: https://threads.com/_giftofgab_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiftofGabrielle/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellegambrell/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/_GiftofGab_
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabriellegambrell