My Core Values
“My core values are the values I hold which form the foundation on which I serve and conduct my leadership. In an ever-changing world, core values are constant. My core values govern and inform how I work, they are the practices I strive to use every day in everything I do.”
— Gabrielle
Advocacy
I am an advocate for the underserved. My immersion into various social sectors of this community has allowed me to come face-to-face with the harsh challenges of our citizens not with judgement, but with empathy at a deep level. My goal is to create and empower more leaders in this community. I want to continue using my life to ensure that people whose voices are not often sought have a platform to feel represented, valued, and heard.
Communication
Throughout history, the greatest leaders have also been motivators, able to encourage others to work toward a common goal. The ability to motivate others has largely been a result of solid communication skills. Effective leadership also requires knowing how to communicate with various groups. Each group may require a different communication and leadership style, and strong leaders are able to adapt based on the group they are communicating with at the time. I often use the term “elegant communication,” and this means being able to critically analyze messages and to create and deliver messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context. I believe effective communication is desperately needed to advance the Southside. And I will do my best to provide that to you.
Servant Leadership
I maintain a heart posture that is rooted in love for people. I firmly believe that if you don’t genuinely care for people then public service is not the appropriate arena for you. A servant leader puts the needs of people first and works to helps others reach their full potential. I am steward that leads by example and I am committed to the growth of all citizens.
“Elect someone that has clearly defined their values and demonstrates them through their life’s work.”
-Gabrielle
The Story Behind My Logo
More Community Organizers, Less Politicians.
When I chose to run for office, I decided early on that it was very important throughout this process to maintain my identity. I want to be my full self and not conform to dull and antiquated practices. Therefore, I wanted branding that would not only be eye-catching, but inclusive and encompassing of everything I am and everything I stand for. So, I reached out to one of my old professors at Northwestern University and we went to work! To be honest I didn’t have a clue what I wanted, but I knew that I would know the right thing when it was presented to me. My designer asked me all the right questions in order to produce her design, and what she produced was authentically me and magical! Something inspiring that makes people talk and think. “This logo symbolizes inclusivity, heritage, movement towards change, energy, vibrancy, a fresh new perspective, a connector of people...it is classy, unusual, and fresh!” – Elizabeth Kole. I am so thrilled with what we came up with. Click below to learn more about the artist and see her work.