BIOGRAPHY
Gabrielle Torina is the Principal Consultant and Founder of Riche Black Public Relations where brand voices are amplified with strategic resources and sophisticated communication. Gabrielle has developed and executed PR strategies for corporations and non-profits, enhancing social media presence, community awareness, and expanded donor bases. She has also spearheaded large-scale corporate galas and events driving significant community engagement. In past roles she was the Communications Specialist for the Region 1 Planning Council, a regional government agency providing cross-jurisdictional collaborative planning across Northern Illinois. She was also a Constituent Advocate for U.S. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos where she advocated for citizens by helping them to resolve issues with federal government agencies and executed communication and public relations functions. Prior to her role in Congress, Torina worked for UTC Aerospace as a Contract Administrator on the program team that engineered electrical power components for the NASA space shuttle Orion. Her early career was also spent at Landstar Transportation where she worked a decade in marketing and presented at national trade shows.
In 2021, Gabrielle Torina won her first election and became the Alderwoman of Rockford, IL’s fifth ward, where she has served as Chair of the Codes and Regulations Committee since 2022. Running on the campaign slogan "Southside No Longer Left Behind," Gabrielle sought to address the longstanding feelings of neglect within her ward, where residents believed they had been overlooked in terms of significant investment. Her biggest accomplishments have been advocating for a better South Rockford, restoring hope to its residents by championing the improvement of streets and infrastructure, implementing public art installations, and bringing vibrant festivals back to the community. She was instrumental in securing Rockford’s largest redevelopment to date—the transformative $400+ million Barber Colman (Colman Yards) project—set to reshape the city’s future and breathe new life into the South Main corridor.
Gabrielle holds a Bachelor of Arts from Judson University in Communications Management (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, is a graduate of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Leadership Alliance, and is current member of Lead 360 a Rockford Chamber of Commerce development program for C-Suite executives. She was the 2024 recipient of the YWCA of Northwestern Illinois Community Leadership Award, named a 40 Leaders Under 40 by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, received the YWCA Women in Achievement Scholarship Award, and was named one of Rockford's 25 Black Leaders to Watch.
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 clothes. She is an executive board member of the Founders Commission and the YWCA of Northwestern Illinois Foundation. Additionally, she serves on the Advisory Council for the ComEd Initiative: “Community of the Future,” is a scholarship advisor with the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, a Made for Rockford Ambassador with Go Rockford, and church member of The Tabernacle Chicago.
Gabrielle has leveraged her diverse expertise in fundraising, event management, public speaking, and volunteerism to drive impactful community engagement. As a third-generation South Rockford resident, she is deeply rooted in her community and believes that meaningful change happens when those who need it most are at the forefront of leading it. Committed to the revitalization of the place that shaped her, Gabrielle's extensive network and access to resources in education, economic development, community organizing, and social services provide critical support for residents and business owners, fostering lasting growth and opportunity for years to come.
