Celebrating Women’s History Month with Gambel Communications

Written by Kendra Smith-Parks

Three months ago, I joined the Gambel Communications team having spent my career up until this point in journalism and media. I was extremely nervous to transition to a new aspect of the communications profession during the COVID-19 pandemic as most industries continued to pivot, but working with a women-led and owned company sounded incredible. So, I accepted the challenge and joined the Gambel team. As the world celebrates Women’s History Month this March, I look back at my time with the Gambel Girls so far. Here’s what I’ve experienced:

Empowerment

During my first week at Gambel, I joined Senior Communications Strategist Rachel Strassel and CEO Amy Boyle Collins to work on my first press conference event for one of New Orleans’ longstanding homeless shelters, Ozanam Inn. The day before the event, our team came together to help Rachel prepare the final details for the press conference, which was one of the first events the team had carried out since the COVID-19 shut down.

It was amazing to watch the Gambel Girls empower each other and work as a cohesive team to ensure the event went perfectly. Some other members of the team, Dominique Becnel and Emily Dowsett, rapidly went through checklists and joined in to assist. I was in awe watching the process. I was thrilled to be a part of it and couldn’t wait to learn more. Since then, our team has patiently taught me about press kits, a detailed and organized run-of-show, how to coordinate media interviews for clients, a well-written press release, targeted pitching and more. They never let me fall behind and thoroughly explain the ins-and-outs of the business.

Collaboration

In the world of PR, I’ve learned that collaborating and networking are key. It is inspiring to work alongside organizations with women at the forefront and help them to connect with the community and get their message out. From Kristi Trail with Pontchartrain Conservancy to Syrita Steib with Operation Restoration, Gambel’s long list of women-led clients are an inspiration. The women of these organizations are trailblazing figures who have made significant strides in our region, state and country. And we get the opportunity to help connect them and spread the word about their innovative work. How lucky!

Leadership

Gambel is not only comprised of women on staff, but it is also owned and operated by women, as well. Betsie Gambel and Amy Boyle Collins are what make the company what it is today. I have learned so much with the patience and knowledge of these women. They took a chance on this former journalist and brought me into a different world. They are helping shape me into the communications professional that I aspire to be. All of the Gambel Girls are truly amazing, and I hope to spend many more Women’s History Months working with this strong group.