Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly K. Gallow.
Kimberly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a young adult, I’ve always found an interest in three areas; education, entrepreneurship, and entertainment. In college, I found a need for more women in the entertainment space, specifically within marketing and promotions, which led to the start of an all-female promotional group called EnvioUS Promotions. We were all young, eager, college women who also had side hustles but wanted to change the stereotype of women who worked in a male-dominated industry such as entertainment. There were many obstacles however, it was one of the best learning opportunities about business and myself I could have encountered.
After college, I launched a separate entity while Envious Promotions was still operating, focusing on public relations and marketing. I worked with upcoming artists and small business owners who were looking to identify their unique pitch in their industry. It was yet another eye-opening experience; learning about entertainment and the evolution of business together.
While working on these side businesses, a mentor encouraged me to look into a career in education. I never in a million years would have thought being involved in college would pay off this much. I was a collegiate dancer, orientation leader, started a female empowerment organization my senior year, and served on many student-run organizations. Now, it was my time to give back by serving students in a different way; servant leadership.
I quickly learned that many educational institutions needed more informative, influential, and inspiring leaders so I continued my education and decided to work first as an admission recruiter then, within fundraising where I connect with constituents in a different capacity (as alumni).
Continuing my education by receiving my master’s degree, I decided to continue working on my small business but even bigger, starting a non-profit. In honor of my late grandfather, Clifton Gallow – I decided to name the foundation as my name, honoring his last name. My grandfather only had one son (my dad) who then, had a daughter (me). So, I knew early on in life that I would have to find ways to keep our family name alive; I owned that decision and it serves as a constant reminder to “keep going”. That was the start of the Kimberly K. Gallow Foundation.
The Kimberly K. Gallow Foundation informs, influences, and inspire youth and women through education, entrepreneurship and entertainment. All areas in which I am extremely passionate about. We host summer programs and connect our consistent with industry leaders.
Now, years later after many project and businesses, I’m eager to continue to grow this non-profit and impact students within the college athletic space. Currently serving as the Associate Athletic Director at the University of New Orleans, I’m living within my mission of informing, influencing, and inspiring others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What is a smooth road when managing multiple projects. The biggest learning experience I encountered was learning to keep people close who can speak on your behalf when you’re not around. I learned that although I wasn’t at every event our team promoted, it was important to train members to be capable enough to run the operations of the event. Management is the key but more importantly, trusting your team to execute.
That same experience is relevant to the work that I do within higher education; ensuring my team is equipped and encouraged to be their best selves in the workplace. More importantly, allowing them to do their work and knowing that every journey to completing things requires a new level of thinking, creativity, and innovation. That’s what teamwork is about; inclusiveness.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Ironically, because of my network and eagerness to meet people, I’m “known” for being a connector. I am always looking for an opportunity to connect people, groups, or even companies to others. The way of life is all about creating community. Communities help move ideas and concepts forward. The other key to communities is valuing human capital. The people who exist in these communities help make them what they area. Valuing people in unique ways and knowing the everyone brings a unique view and opportunity to the table. With that comes, knowing how to build the right teams so that these unique views fit within the mission, purpose, or goals of the organization or business.
I am the most proud of finding ways to honor my family through this nonprofit. In its inception, many didn’t understand why I would name a nonprofit in my name and as I always tell others, “It’s bigger than me.” To add, deciding to pursue a terminal degree; doctorate in higher education administration from the University of New Orleans. Although I’m early in that journey, it’s by far one of the most rewarding ones.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Please know that every journey has its seasons. It’s okay to not understand what season you’re in but be mindful that there’s a learning opportunity in it. Trust the process, create and keep boundaries, and learn to love life in the process.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@kimberlykgallow.com
- Website: www.kimberlykgallow.com
- Instagram: @kkgallow / @thekkgfoundation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.gallow.9/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/kkgallow
