Conversations with Monica Gibbs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Gibbs. 

Monica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I decided after college to freelance PR services. Through working with the community, I began getting invited to attend local meetings of civic and political organizations. This led to opportunities for me to join boards. I saw firsthand that voices like my own were missing and sometimes excluded from tables where decisions were being made. Most of my early leadership came through the Democratic Party where I was voted onto the executive board at my very first meeting. I became a two-term regional director for the Democratic women and then was one of two people from my home county to serve on the State Executive Committee. In 2012, I made history by being elected as the first woman and black person elected delegate to the Democratic National Convention. I went on to serve in many other organizations and learned so much in those early years. It was through my work with the Democratic Party that I saw the need for liaisons between the community and elected officials. In 2018 I began Gibbs Public Affairs LLC and registered to lobby in the state of North Carolina. Although I did not immediately go fully into lobbying, I continued advocating for the community and helping to connect people with other people and resources. I have since worked numerous political campaigns, community engagement projects and just recently worked for the United States House of Representatives. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been very challenging. Going into public affairs without a mentor or template to follow, some skills came naturally but others I had to develop as I went. I have been every role necessary to be productive and successful. Another challenge has been having to evolve to continue doing the work. As an activist, one challenge has been wanting to address and resolve issues in the community quickly but realizing that sometimes change has to happen gradually. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Over the last decade, I have been both an entrepreneur and a professional working as an employee. All of the work I’ve done has been political, social justice, or community centered. I am probably most known for working to help get people elected to office. I have worked on nearly a dozen campaigns and this year won my first two as Campaign Manager. I am most proud of my own resourcefulness in finding a way to serve others using my gifts. I believe what sets me apart is my deep passion to do the work that I do and that I lean into my humanity and allow it to lead me to do great work. 

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is getting to do what you love to do and being effective. I felt successful when I was finally able to make a living and provide for my family doing work that I had dreamed of doing. I believe that we are successful anytime we have shared our gifts and have imparted wisdom and knowledge to others in need. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.monicargibbs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicargibbs/
• Facebook:www.facebook.com/monica.r.gibbs
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/gibbsbublicaffairs/