Bio
WRITING & JOURNALISM EXPERIENCE
Freelance Writer
Journalist & Author
1993 to present
Articles appear in local and national newspapers, magazines, corporate newsletters and trade publications (click on any Clients in the list to the left to read published clips). Areas of expertise: business, public relations and marketing, publishing, social media, strategic planning, education, technology, parenting, the arts.
Gibbs’ short stories have been published in essay and poetry anthologies, including The Erotic Edge, by Dr. Lonnie Barbach (Dutton, 1994).
Her first book is PR Rules: The Playbook, published in 2012.
She is working on several other book projects including:
- Truly Amazing Women Who are Changing the World.
- “Inside Hope,” a children’s book that takes kids and grownups inside the emotions that drive them.
- “Why Divorce?,” a series of case studies about why people leave marriages, and why they stay.
Inkandescent Public Relations
Founder & President
August 2001 to present
With decades of experience as a journalist, launched high-end PR / media relations / publications firm that helps entrepreneurs, educators, authors, and small business owners get more visibility.
Gibbs’ team of award-winning reporters, editors, graphic designers, illustrators, web developers, and photographers create high-end marketing materials, writes and edits press releases, newsletters, and white papers. They also work closely with reporters at some of the nation’s most prominent newspapers, magazines, and TV and radio stations to help get their clients featured in the news. Through Inkandescent PR, GIbbs also plans and organizes events, co-writes and ghostwrites books, and maintains her clients’ websites so they are up-to-date and provide an accurate, impressive image.
For details visit www.inkandescentpr.com
City of Fairfax Schools, Fairfax, VA
Director of Communications
2002 to 2011
Worked with Superintendent and City of Fairfax School Board to coordinate public relations effort for the four schools in this district (Fairfax High, Lanier Middle, Daniels Run and Providence Elementary). Write press releases, and work with reporters to help them better understand intricacies of education issues (NCLB, SOLs); plan special events.
Editor, City Schools Close-Up
Researched, wrote, and edited articles in this 8-page bimonthly award-winning newsletter that circulated to 14,000 residents and businesses in the City of Fairfax. Hired and managed professional photographers, designers, managed printing, and distribution of publication. Won several awards for the publication from the National School Public Relations Association.
In 2009, created new website for the City Schools, www.cityoffairfaxschools.org, and took Close-Up online.
Social Technologies, Washington, DC
Director of Communications
2006 to 2008
At this international futurist think tank that served the Fortune 500, managed and executed public relations campaigns, media mentions, and advertising placement. Developed new website and provided content, wrote press releases weekly and blog entries daily that received international attention. Also launched monthly 8-page newsletter, ChangeWaves, which developed a 5000-company circulation. Landed media coverage for analysts on the CBS Morning Show, The New York Times, Washington Post, The Miami Herald, Washingtonian, Foreign Policy magazine, TV Week, Business Week, Entrepreneur magazine, and dozens more. During tenure, organization went from one press mention / year in 2006 to 25 high profile mentions / month. See more here.
The George Washington University, Washington, DC
Senior Publications Coordinator / Office of Enrollment Management
1991 to 1993
Conceptualized, wrote and coordinated brochures and other publications for the Office of Enrollment Management while working toward a masters degree in Educational Leadership. The mission of the department was to write and design glossy, hip, and eye-catching publications that would attract new students to the University. Worked closely with the art department, academic department chairs, and officials in the Office of Enrollment Management.
New Miami Magazine, Miami, FL
Associate Editor
1989 to 1991
Researched and wrote business articles about South Florida’s fastest growing companies, health care issues, and education. Duties included writing several regular columns for this four-color glossy monthly magazine — such as Dealmakers, City Beat, and Weekend Getaways. Also wrote monthly features and for several of those won writing awards from Florida Magazine Association, including a silver medal for article about the then-newly renovated Art Deco District entitled The Politics of Preservation; and a first prize gold award for Hotshots, a monthly essay that featured artistic photographs of Miami movers and shakers.
The Miami Herald, Miami, FL
Assistant Editor Special Publications
1987 to 1989
Wrote, edited articles on topics ranging from education and health care to retail and travel; co-edited the Annual Florida Outdoors Guide, and wrote several first-person essays for the Herald’s Sunday magazine, Tropic.
The Dominion Post, Morgantown, WV
Reporter
1986 to 1987
Covered cops, circuit court, city council, breaking news (fires, chemical spills), the Buckwheat Festival, and features about local dignitaries for Morgantown’s largest daily newspaper. In early 1987 was named Bureau Chief of the newly opened Fairmont office. In spare time, wrote colorful features about wild, wonderful West Virginia as a stringer for The Pittsburgh-Post Gazette.
OTHER PROFESSIONAL PROJECTS
Great Handmade Gifts, Inc.
Founder and President
Sept. 2001 to present
In wake of 9-11, needed something useful to do with hands and began making crystal jewelry, wine rings, hand-rolled beeswax candles, and began selling them when the creations took over the den. Soon after decided to form a company and sell the art and crafts of other area artists, as well. In November 2001 incorporated Great Handmade Gifts and in 2003 launched online e-commerce website featuring work of dozens of artists based in cities and towns across the U.S. Our company motto: You are unique. Your gifts should be, too. To shop with us, visit www.greathandmadegifts.com.
The Writing’s on the Wall, Inc.
Founder and President
1993 to 1996
Based on master’s thesis written while a graduate student at The George Washington University, founded non-profit organization to teach children to express themselves creatively as an alternative to violence. Traveled from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA to give children in underprivileged neighborhoods the opportunity to show the world what they would do to make it a better place.
Received donations of Polaroid cameras, art supplies, and journals from the Polaroid Foundation, Office Depot, Lee Jeans, and The Great Frame Up. The children used the cameras and supplies to photograph each other as they decorated cardboard Wish Bricks, which our team of volunteers (professional photographers, artists and writers) attached to a portable Wishing Wall structure built by CA architect. The project became an interactive exhibit from 1995-1996 at the Capital Children’s Museum in Washington, DC. Click here to view photos of the project. “Click here for details.”:
EDUCATION
The George Washington University, Washington, DC
MA candidate, Educational Leadership
1991-1992
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
BA, Communications, Annenberg School of Communication
May 1986
Activities: Reporter, Daily Pennsylvanian
Internships: ABC-TV newsroom, Philadelphia magazine
Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
Independent Semester Abroad
Spring 1984
Classes: Hebrew, Arab-Israeli Relations, Israeli History, Life on a Kibbutz.
Activities: Founded student newspaper, backpacked through Egypt, Greece, Italy, England, Ireland and Scotland. Turned 21 on a beach in Nice, surrounded by guitar-playing travelers.