Employee Highlight: Gabrielle Perez, Business Development Manager
Gabrielle Perez is a part of the dynamic iDEKO Business Development team assisting with the cultivation of positive agency relationships and communication with brands to jumpstart the production process. Gabrielle has a background in marketing and public relations in both legal and lifestyle industries. Before joining iDEKO in NYC, Gabrielle worked in both Northern and Southern California managing statewide conferences and events as well as launching successful marketing campaigns and managing social media presence. She has extensive experience establishing rapport with high profile professionals and approaches her work with a spirit of connectivity and a passion for positive and impactful relationships. Gabrielle graduated Magna Cum Laude with a major in Communication Studies and a double minor in Marketing and Spanish from the University of San Diego.
What made you choose iDEKO?
As a California girl who felt called to be in NYC, the most critical aspect to me in the next phase of my career and moving across the country, was mentorship. After interviewing at iDEKO, it became clear to me that this was a company filled with wonderful and talented folks that were eager to teach me and help me grow within this industry. I always say the people you work with make or break the job and I could not be happier with my choice – I hit the coworker lottery!
What made you interested in pursuing a career in experiential marketing?
One of my favorite quotes from Maya Angelou states: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Experiential marketing embodies that phrase. I loved the idea that I could be a part of creating experiences that will impact people for the rest of their lives, all the while helping amazing brands, agencies, and organizations to reach a wider audience. It’s truly a win-win for everyone involved.
What is your favorite part of the Business Development process?
My favorite part of the process is working collaboratively with my teammates on creative concepts for activations and then getting to pitch them to clients. The brainstorming sessions with my genius colleagues (sometimes over wine and cheese) often ceases to feel like work. I get to meet so many amazing people through the pitch process and love to see the different teams come together to ideate and then produce it to life!
What’s your favorite iDEKO memory?
Late-night delirious work sessions with my coworkers that have ended up at a Karaoke Bar – enough said. 😊
Who are your role models or mentors?
I have learned something from every member of the iDEKO team. Each of them have far exceeded my expectations and desire for mentorship when I joined the company. On a personal level, my grandparents will always be my role models. They came to the states from Puerto Rico with nothing and worked hard to ensure that my family was cared for. Their unconditional love and generosity taught me the truly important aspects of life. I am also extremely grateful for my parents that told me as a child that I could be anything I wanted to be – and I believed them. Every morning that I walk to the office and look up at the Empire State Building, I remember the importance of having great mentors in your life. It’s impossible to succeed without them!