Making the Arts and Entertainment Industry a Safer Place

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Gabriela Morris

Speaker Management, The Harry Walker Agency

Class of 2022
Dual MBA in Talent Management / General Business

Member Of: The Entertainment and Arts Managers at Pace, Lubin Women in Leadership

We are experiencing a revolution in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and this student has found that Pace is helping her enact that change in her industry. Gabriela has always had a passion for the arts. She has danced on Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom in two different parades and she is making her mark by exploring ways to create safer spaces for all creative people to thrive. All the while, she is developing her network by attending Career Services events, joining the Mentoring Program, working as a graduate assistant, and becoming a student leader for several of our graduate clubs.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business to advance your business education

I chose Pace University because of its comprehensive curriculum, which prepares students to be well-rounded leaders and managers. Pace’s location was also crucial in this decision because I knew it would give me access to connections across the city. Because I started my program in a remote setting, I had to decide if I wanted the opportunity to continue in person once possible, and I do! Having this option was important in deciding between a fully remote program and one with potential on-campus elements. I also prioritized the ability to explore different aspects of my chosen industry and other relevant courses. I am grateful that Pace University and the Lubin School of Business continually provide personal and professional growth opportunities in a supportive environment.

You have taken advantage of opportunities offered at Pace, including our mentoring program and Career Services resources. How have those experiences impacted your career?

Taking advantage of these offerings has only elevated my time at Pace thus far. Career Services hosts several employers every semester and I have been exposed to many careers and opportunities I didn’t even know existed. These events are not only wonderful learning opportunities, but great for networking as well. Everyone says it, but networking opens doors, some of which may or may not lead to your dream career. Either way, connecting with others is important, especially because you never know where it will take you.

As someone who is dedicated to making the arts and entertainment industry a safer place, I not only work to constantly challenge implicit bias, but I hold companies and leaders to a higher standard. (…) Through my classes at Pace, I realize just how passionate I am about creating this change and dismantling harmful and exclusive systems to build new policies and procedures that reflect the world we live in.

You have a go-getter attitude and get involved in many projects and extracurricular activities. What advice do you have for other students looking to get involved?

I attended the Graduate Student Club meet-and-greet my first semester with the mindset that I would join a club, mainly because my interests aligned with the mission of a few of these organizations, and I wanted to be involved. At the meet-and-greet, however, I was encouraged to join a club as a way to make friends, which wasn’t easy in a distance learning atmosphere. My advice would be the same---step outside your comfort zone with the intention of connecting with like-minded people to share ideas and passions for things you have in common. The Entertainment and Arts Managers (T.E.A.M.) at Pace is a new organization as of Fall 2020; we are always looking to work with other future arts and entertainment leaders to discuss trends in the industry and provide networking opportunities between students and professionals across the industry.

You have a passion for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. How are you addressing these areas in your career planning?

These concepts are at the forefront of every decision I make, particularly with regard to career planning. As someone who is dedicated to making the arts and entertainment industry a safer place, I not only work to constantly challenge implicit bias, but I hold companies and leaders to a higher standard. For me, it is important that I work for and with a company that strives to make substantial progress in becoming a safe and inclusive place to work, learn, and grow. Through my classes at Pace, I realize just how passionate I am about creating this change and dismantling harmful and exclusive systems to build new policies and procedures that reflect the world we live in.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife means dreaming big and knowing that you have a community to support you. I’ve met some of my closest friends at Pace and am grateful that we ended up sharing this journey together. There are so many opportunities to push yourself out of your comfort zone to try new things, and to make new connections. I would encourage everyone to take advantage of al all of these opportunities while they can!