Gail: "In addition to managing my clients’ social media accounts, I’m often on social media because of my strong interest in activism in social justice and equality. I was recognized with these two awards because of my constant voice and presence, especially, on Twitter. As a news junkie, Twitter is my go-to source!"
P.A.R.C. Mag: You’ve done work as a civil/human rights activist. Can you describe some of the work you’ve done or causes that you have joined?
Gail: "Although I really don’t like to promote this because my time is limited, I do pro bono and reduced-rate PR work for causes such as the NAACP Perth Amboy, the African American Cultural
Festival of Raleigh, and youth literacy organizations in New Jersey and North Carolina. In addition,
since the recent election, I’ve frequently participated in “resistance” rallies. We are certainly living in challenging times and the voices and energies of social justice warriors are needed now more than ever!"
P.A.R.C. Mag Part 1: Can you explain the need or importance of having a presence on social media? How can it be beneficial to businesses?
P.A.R.C. Mag Part 2: Most modern entrepreneurships seem to have shifted from physical stores to online stores and from physical products to information. What do you think is the best way to market these online companies?
Gail: "Social media and email marketing are great ways to market small businesses and organizations on limited budgets with new audiences. They’re the best ways to build a brand surrounding a specific topic and to reach out and connect with media. Technology has definitely helped to level the marketing playing field, though I warn that we can’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. There’s still a place and space for old-fashioned cold-calling and snail mail to build relationships, depending on your audience. Great communications should be an integration of all the tools available to you as a communications expert."
P.A.R.C. Mag: What do you ultimately hope to achieve with the work that you are doing as a consultant with ACD?
Gail: "My ultimate goal is to help end bias, bigotry, and racism in workplaces, communities, and schools. As long as I’m still able to pick up a paper and read about a swastika scrawled on someone’s property, or a young Black man being wrongfully accused (or shot!) by the law, or a woman, LGBTQ person, or individual of faith who was discriminated in the workplace or community, my work is not done."
Connect with Gail:
Linked In: Gail (Kebbel) Zoppo
Instagram: Zoppowoman