BIOGRAPHY

Gabrielle Torina has a demonstrated passion for bringing truth to power through action and a track record of leading change for the underserved. The Southside will no longer be left behind because Gabrielle Torina is here to listen and leverage what she does best – collaboratively lead the community through elegant communication. Gabrielle believes that change happens when the people who need it, lead it. As a third generation Southside resident, she is committed to the revitalization and rebirth of the place that shaped who she is today. Her network and access to resources around education, safety, economic development, community organizing, immigration, and various social services will have great impact towards offering critical support to residents and business owners.

In her role as Constituent Advocate for U.S. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, Gabrielle advocated for citizens by helping them to resolve issues with government agencies, executed communication and public relations functions, and attended events on the Congresswoman's behalf. She was a member of the Congresswoman’s Veterans Council and Education Action Team, and solidified legitimate relationships with constituent groups, media outlets, and city and state officials. Prior to her role in Congress, Torina worked for UTC Aerospace as a Contract Administrator on the program team that engineered the electric power management and distribution system for the NASA space shuttle Orion. And her early career was spent at Landstar Transportation Inc. where she worked in various marketing roles. 

As a true communication integrator, Gabrielle leads with evidence-based research, effectual project management skills, ideation, and communication. Demonstrating a continued propensity for excellence and the desire to champion for the development of others, Gabrielle has used her areas of expertise for community engagement: in fundraising management, public speaking, and volunteering for various organizations. Gabrielle is well-positioned to use this life-long Rockford experience with and on behalf of the 5th Ward. 

Gabrielle holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Judson University (summa cum laude) and a Master of Communication from Northwestern University. Additionally, she holds a Certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University, is certified in crisis communications by the Northwestern University Executive Education program and is a graduate of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Leadership Alliance. She was named a 40 Leaders Under 40 by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce (2019), she also received the Rockford Park District Community Service Award (2017), the YWCA Women in Achievement Scholarship Award (2016) and was named one of the 25 Black Leaders to Watch (2015).

She is deeply rooted in her Christian faith, community, and is passionate about helping those that are overlooked. She volunteers as the Registrar for Laundry Love, a ministry that helps low income families launder their clothes. She is also an executive board member of the Wabongo Leadership Council, a non-profit that focuses on providing strategic resources and building leadership capacity in African American youth. Additionally, she is a board member of the Northwest Community Center, Co-Chair of the Family Peace Center Community Engagement Committee, member of the Northwestern MSC Alumni Association, and a member of both the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois and City of Rockford Human Services Scholarship Committees. Torina is also member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and a church member of the All Nations Worship Assembly of Chicago, IL.

As an accomplished leader, Gabrielle has extensive training and experience strategically interpreting research to guide decision-making for organizations and communities, evaluating systems to increase capacity, transforming culture, and creating resilient and sustainable opportunities. Roots grow strong, and she is deeply rooted in this community.  A vote for Gabrielle “Gabbi” Torina on February 23, 2021 is a vote for us – the entire community of the 5th Ward. With a life and career dedicated to community service, Gabrielle Torina is well-positioned and ready to partner with Rockford and collectively use your expertise and shared vision to implement change as Alderman of Rockford’s 5th Ward.