Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Gambrell.
Gabrielle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
While attending Palisades Charter High School, I was highly involved in journalism and was editor-in-chief of Tideline, our high school newspaper. By age 16, I taught the school’s journalism class and knew that my personal gifts included both teaching and storytelling. At age 17, I moved to New York to attend Iona College, where I was president of the radio and TV stations. With this experience, I earned an internship at ABC, which led to my first job after college at age 20. I then worked for CBS Corporation and NBCUniversal among others, leading marketing, internal and external communications, and events, as well as developing multimedia storytelling via digital, print, video, editorial, and creative design. I have led award-winning marketing, media relations, crisis, news, and issues communications teams.
I previously served as worldwide Director of Communications and Public Relations at FCB Global, an advertising agency network with offices in more than 80 countries. As Vice President & Head of Marketing and Communications at Barnard College of Columbia University, I was the first Black woman, as well as the youngest to hold the title since the College’s founding in 1889. As a graduate adjunct professor at New York University (NYU), I teach integrated marketing, digital and social media, advanced public relations, media relations, corporate communications, and event planning courses. All of my executive and teaching experience has prepared me to become a marketing and communications consultant. I now consult and spearhead the creation and implementation of marketing and communications campaigns to increase and promote visibility.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Ageism is one challenge faced throughout my career, as I am usually the youngest in the room. I graduated from college at 20 years old and graduated with my master’s degree soon after. By age 22, I became a professor and was often younger than my students, staff and peers. I still find that my age comes up quite often. However, I’ve had a phenomenal career and deserve to be in every room that I am in and operate as such.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Gift of Gabrielle – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
My company provides consulting services including marketing, communications, media and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). I am a speaker on women empowerment, DEI, career and professional development, media, entertainment and sports with emphasis on Generation Z and millennials. I have been named to PRNews’ 2020 list of Top Women In PR and PRWeek’s 2019 Hall of Femme, as one of 28 trailblazing women who are shaping the future of the communications industry.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The current climate has really amplified my work. There’s lots to do in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and many are looking for marketing communications support. I have new clients and virtual engagements (webinars & webcasts) scheduled throughout the year.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.giftofgabrielle.com
- Email: contact@giftofgabrielle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_giftofgab_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiftofGabrielle/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_giftofgab_
Image Credit:
Photos in yellow blazer — Head shot Photo: Francesca Andre (https://www.francescaandrephotography.com/), Make Up: Melisa Martin Fettigusto @memacreations, Photo in pink blazer – Sports Power Brunch (https://www.sportspowerbrunch.com) presented by LaTonya Story/LPS Consulting PR; Photo Credit: Wilfred L. Armstrong. All other photos, courtesy of Gabrielle Gambrell
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