Gabrieline Reece: On challenging the stereotype of the "Angry Black woman"

Meet Gabrieline Reece, a distinguished film producer and director. She is the founder of Women Who Influence and Brand Experience. She has over 8 years of experience managing celebrity PR/events relations-clients in the public relations industry, including Hollywood A-List, TV Personalities & global brands. Right from childhood, Gabrieline became clear about her purpose. She had stood apart as a girl wonder and her father helped harness her gifts. Back then, she would play news anchor with the neighborhood kids capturing what was happening in our neighborhood and share it with her parents. 

Gabrieline is the brain behind the 'Black Women Surviving Corporate documentary' which highlights specific discussions with executive professionals. The documentary outlines the measures that companies should adopt to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for Black women and women of colour in terms of learning, growth, and leadership. 

The documentary explores the disparities in reporting managerial assistance among Black women, addressing issues such as navigating organizational politics and achieving a work-life balance. Its goal is to raise awareness by challenging the stereotype of the “Angry Black woman.” Contrary to common misconceptions, Black women are not more predisposed to express anger than any other demographic in the United States. 

Omote Ro Dhe caught up with Gabrieline in an exclusive interview where she opened up about childhood, profession, the purpose of the documentary, her projects and more. Read the excerpts below:

Can you share more about your journey in the public relations industry and how it led you to become a distinguished film producer, director, and founder of organizations such as Women Who Influence and Brand Experience?

With eight years of experience in Public Relations, I've had the privilege of collaborating with talented creatives globally, assisting them in sharing their stories and presenting their ideas. Working with diverse clients during various phases inspired me to become an advocate for myself as a Black woman and for women in general. This journey led me to utilize my writing skills to craft compelling narratives through press releases. Recognizing the power to engage and capture the audience, I realized the need for a more in-depth narrative. This realization ignited my passion for filmmaking, which has since grown and flourished.

Can you share a memorable experience or project where your expertise in managing celebrity relations made a significant impact?

One standout experience that showcased my expertise in managing celebrity relations was a project with Adidas. In this endeavour, I had the opportunity to bring together like-minded fashion experts, collaborating to create a captivating experience for the audience. The project aimed at providing people with a once-in-a-lifetime fashion presentation, allowing their creative minds to flourish and bloom. The impact of this collaboration was truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impression on those who attended and elevating the overall fashion experience to new heights.

What inspired you to start Women Who Influence and Brand Experience, and what are the key missions or goals of these organizations?

The inception of "Women Who Influence" began as a singular event with the intention of uniting women to share their stories, fostering growth in both personal and business aspects. To my surprise, it evolved into something beyond my initial imagination, bringing together hundreds and thousands of women worldwide through exclusive social events. The vision for "Women Who Influence" is to continue its expansion, transforming the platform into a membership-based community that connects individuals with opportunities for growth and success. "Brand Experience" marks my initial foray into the business world. This venture sprouted from my fashion internship in California, where the desire to contribute more to the event/PR industry led me to embark on my own journey. I delved into working with private clients, seeking to carve my path and make a meaningful impact.

You mentioned a childhood realization about your gift for shifting narratives. How has this gift influenced your work in the film industry, particularly in documentary filmmaking?

My childhood realization about my gift for shifting narratives has profoundly impacted my work in the film industry, particularly in documentary filmmaking. The unique narrative of my childhood, as a 3-year-old foreigner arriving in the US and being adopted by my white teacher in 3rd grade, while my dad tirelessly worked to provide for my siblings, serves as a powerful example of narrative transformation. This personal story has been a wellspring of creativity for me, inspiring a desire to shape the world for individuals with experiences similar to mine. In documentary filmmaking, I leverage my gift for narrative shifting to bring untold stories to the forefront. The ability to weave compelling narratives allows me to capture the essence of diverse experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. Through the lens of my own journey, I strive to create films that resonate with audiences, sparking conversations and challenging perspectives. My childhood realization continues to be a driving force in my commitment to telling stories that empower and bring about positive change in the world.

Your documentary explores the challenges faced by Black women in the corporate world. What motivated you to address this specific topic, and what do you hope the impact of the film will be?

The motivation behind exploring the challenges faced by Black women in the corporate world in my documentary stems from my own personal experiences dealing with poor leadership and toxic work environments, both from white and black leaders. These encounters have fueled my determination to shed light on the unique struggles that Black women often face in professional settings. Through this documentary, I aim to initiate crucial discussions that address various aspects of the issue and lay the groundwork for systemic changes. One key focus is on highlighting the often-overlooked topic of black mental health. I am particularly excited about fostering conversations that bring awareness to the fact that black individuals also experience mental health crises, an aspect frequently misunderstood by the world. Ultimately, I hope the impact of the film extends beyond awareness to tangible changes in the workforce. By showcasing the challenges faced by Black women, I aspire to inspire leaders and organizations to provide better support systems. This includes not only promoting healthy work environments but also ensuring that leaders themselves receive the necessary support to effectively manage and support their teams. The overarching goal is to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive corporate culture for everyone.

The documentary aims to challenge the stereotype of the "Angry Black woman."

Can you elaborate on the impact of this stereotype and how it affects the professional lives of Black women in corporate settings?

The stereotype of the "Angry Black woman" has a significant and detrimental impact on the professional lives of Black women in corporate settings. Being labeled as an angry person carries negative connotations and implications that can be particularly harmful. This stereotype often leads to preconceived judgments about Black women, even before they speak or react. The consequences of this stereotype are far-reaching. Black women labelled as "angry" may face challenges in being perceived as approachable, teachable, or easy to work with. These biases can result in unfair treatment, limiting opportunities for career advancement, raises, and professional growth. The stereotype not only affects individual perceptions but can also influence decisions made by colleagues, superiors, and the broader corporate environment. The "Angry Black woman" stereotype contributes to a toxic cycle where Black women may feel compelled to suppress their emotions or modify their behaviour to conform to prejudiced expectations. This can lead to a stifling of authentic expression and hinder the potential for true professional collaboration and success. Addressing and challenging this stereotype is essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable corporate culture. By debunking these stereotypes, we can work towards fostering an environment where Black women are recognized and valued for their skills, contributions, and leadership qualities without being unfairly burdened by harmful stereotypes.

What advice do you have for young girls pursuing purpose but seem confused if they are on the right path?

1. Self-Reflection: Take the time to reflect on your passions, interests, and values. Consider what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. Understanding yourself better will help you align your pursuits with your authentic self. 2. Explore and Experiment: Don't be afraid to explore different areas and try out various activities. This experimentation can provide valuable insights into what resonates with you and what doesn't. It's okay not to have everything figured out right away. 3. Seek Mentorship: Connect with mentors or role models who have experience in fields you find interesting. Their guidance and advice can provide valuable perspectives and help you navigate your own journey. Learning from others' experiences can be incredibly insightful. 4. Embrace Challenges: Understand that the journey toward your purpose may involve challenges and setbacks. Embrace these as learning opportunities and stepping stones toward personal and professional growth. Persistence and resilience are key. 5. Stay Open-Minded: Be open to new possibilities and unexpected opportunities. Sometimes, the path to discovering your purpose may take unexpected turns. Stay curious and adaptable to change. 6. Network and Build Relationships: Connect with individuals who share similar interests. Building a network can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Surrounding yourself with supportive and like-minded people can provide encouragement and inspiration. 7. Set Small Goals: Break down your larger purpose into smaller, manageable goals. This can make the journey less overwhelming and help you track your progress. Celebrate small victories along the way. 8. Trust the Process: Finding your purpose is a journey, not a destination. Trust in your abilities and the process of self-discovery. Be patient with yourself and allow the journey to unfold organically. Remember, it's perfectly normal to feel confused or uncertain at times. Trust that with time, self-discovery, and a willingness to explore, you will gain clarity on your path and purpose.