IABC Chicago proudly presented Gabrielle (Gabi) Loring with the Karen Utterback Volunteer Award –which recognizes a veteran IABC Chicago member who exemplifies communications excellence and stewardship – at this year’s Bronze Quill Awards reception held on September 14.
IABC Chicago instituted The Karen Utterback Volunteer Award in 2012 to recognize an IABC Chicago member who exemplifies communications expertise and stewardship. The award is named in memory of IABC Chicago chapter president, Karen Utterback, ABC.
Gabrielle reflected on receiving this award and her multiple volunteer positions with IABC sharing that, “I’ve made lifelong friends, connections all over the world and have also built a strong referral network.” Having worked with Karen Utterback during her life, Gabi shared, “Karen had a bright spirit and a dedication to IABC. I feel that we share that passion and am incredibly honored to receive this award.”
Gabrielle has been a long-time member of IABC, engaging in volunteer roles with IABC Chicago and IABC international. She has served on the Chicago board as president for multiple terms, secretary and director of volunteers. She has a special interest in mentoring and is celebrated for her talent recruiting fellow volunteers and members. For IABC International, she served as volunteer coordinator for the World Conference when it was held in Chicago and as co-chair for the U.S. Gold Quill Awards Blue Ribbon Panel. In working with IABC’s awards programs she enjoys, “Gaining exposure to seeing a breadth of work in the best and brightest from all communication disciplines.”
Gabrielle often shares with others her IABC story about the deep impact it has made on her, both professionally and personally. IABC Chicago President Amanda Waldhauser commented, “To truly understand the full impact that Gabi has had on our chapter, you would have to witness her in action. Each of us who has had the privilege of working with her has benefited from her bright spirit, dedicated work ethic and the enthusiasm with which she embraces our members and mission. A long-time mentor and passionate volunteer, Gabi embodies the spirit of IABC and provides us with a shining example of how the passion of one individual can truly transform the experiences we share throughout our professional careers.”
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