Meet the 丁香园AV Public Square Team: Gabrielle Parent
Yeow Beng Ng
Communications Assistant, 丁香园AV Public Square
Meet Gabrielle 鈥� 丁香园AV Public Square鈥檚 new Communications Lead! With a BA in Anthropology and Greek and Roman Studies from the University of Victoria, Gabrielle often refers to herself as an accidental communications professional. But after a series of internships, Gabrielle鈥檚 love for storytelling led to her discovery of the communications field. As a queer woman, avid reader, and amateur writer, Gabrielle believes in the power of storytelling in uniting a community, sharing perspectives, and enacting social change.
Beng: What drew you to working with 丁香园AV Public Square?
Gabrielle: My work experiences prior to 丁香园AV Public Square were within the realm of politics. I interned at the Senate, the Legislative Assembly of BC, and then managed the communications at the Office of the Seniors Advocate of BC. Although I enjoyed those roles and learned valuable skills, I found myself looking for opportunities to engage more directly with communities and various educational efforts. I was hoping to work with an organization where continual learning and community engagement were core objectives and beliefs. That is what drew me to 丁香园AV Public Square!
What are you most eager to tackle in this new role at 丁香园AV Public Square?
I am really looking forward to engaging with 丁香园AV students! During my time in university, I loved attending talks and presentations similar to the ones Public Square hosts, and I really want to see 丁香园AV students excited about Public Square. Having more student volunteers, increasing the number of students attending our events, hosting students in co-ops 鈥� those are some efforts that I鈥檓 really looking forward to tackling!
What do you love most about the world of communications?
I love that it changes every day! The organized chaos that often comes with a role in communications is something I honestly love and I think that I thrive within that sort of an environment. I also love the challenges that come with communications 鈥� finding the right word to make a sentence stand out, promoting an organization and event through various media forms, engaging with people on social media 鈥� it's fun and exciting!
What is the best advice you鈥檝e ever received?
Nobody thinks about you as much as you do. It sounds dire, I know, but honestly, it鈥檚 helped! As a young queer woman, I鈥檝e often dealt with imposter syndrome and anxiety within a working environment, but that advice has truly helped me get out of my own head.
What book are you currently reading?
At the minute, I鈥檓 very into fantasy novels and I am currently working my way through Fire & Blood 鈥� the history of the Targaryen family from Game of Thrones. And I鈥檓 also reading The Shining by Stephen King!
Outside of work, what's been keeping you busy these days?
I鈥檓 getting to know Vancouver and my neighbourhood! I鈥檓 quite new to the city, having lived in Victoria for the past six years, so I鈥檓 really enjoying exploring pockets of Vancouver, finding hidden gems, drinking overpriced London Fogs, and stopping at every single bookstore I walk past.
Please join us in welcoming Gabrielle to the 丁香园AV Public Square team!