GUEST SPEAKER: Gabriela Elizondo Gonzales
TOPIC: From Compassion to Action: A Journey of Creating a Nonprofit
MODERATED BY: Lollie Ramirez-Bennett
Wed, October 18, 2023 – 12:00PM-1:00PM CST
Gabriela Elizondo Gonzales, a wife, mother of four and grandmother of five, a woman of resilience and compassion. With over two decades of experience as a successful photographer, Gabriel’s life took an unexpected turn with the onset of the pandemic. Facing canceled photoshoots and lost clients, she found herself searching for purpose amidst the uncertainty.
But rather than succumbing to despair, Gabriela chose to renew her mind and find ways to make a positive impact. As she decluttered her house, she was reminded of those who had lost their jobs and were in dire need. A simple act of kindness to one family sparked a fire within Gabriela to do more.
Using her platform on social media, Gabriela began rallying her community to help those in need. Through her subdivision’s Facebook page and personal account, friends and neighbors donated clothing, household items, and furniture for families struggling to make ends meet. The response was overwhelming, fueling Gabriela’s passion even further.
What began as a mission to provide basic necessities quickly grew into something much larger. Gabriela started Gabriela’s Families in Need, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income families. With the support of her friends and partners, she has been able to assist 252 families and counting, offering hope, opportunity, and comfort in challenging times.
Adding yet another dimension to her already multi-faceted life, she wholeheartedly supports her son’s company, Fly Factory Custom T-Shirts, and Promotional Products, serving as his trusted personal assistant. This demonstrates her unparalleled commitment to family and the success of loved ones.
One of Gabriela’s lifelong dreams, as she prayerfully became the official photographer for Lakewood Church after steadfastly believing in its realization for 14 long years. Even though her season at Lakewood ended she still gets excited to share that story. Additionally, she is the former, Director of Photography for H Texas Magazine, her talent and passion was showcased to a wide audience.
