In This Story
Texas-born and raised Gabrielle Webster, BA Integrative Studies ’14, MS in Management ’16, first learned about George Mason University through her high school debate team. Now, as a double alumna, Webster is equipped to forge her ascending career in management while also giving back to the School of Business through serving on alumni advisory boards. Though management is still a male-dominated field, she sought out a place of employment where a young woman could have her voice heard and valued. Her last two employers were companies founded and operated by women. Currently at McKenna Management, the majority of her colleagues are women. Gabrielle Webster also brings a unique perspective as a role model, not only for what she has achieved, but as a proud first generation Jamaican American.
Webster is used to being the only Black woman in the room, and in many cases, the only person of color. “In a way, it’s empowering to take ownership of a culture,” she says. “At the same time, maybe it’s because of my age, gender, or how I look, but I feel like I’m tip toeing on a tight rope.” As the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, she holds her heritage dear to her heart and often taps into her cultural identity to provide a different perspective.
In a few short years, Gabrielle Webster has been making her mark. Recently, her client, American Physician Scientists Association, was awarded the prestigious 2020 ASAE (American Society of Association Executives) Power of A Silver Award. Webster’s extensive work with associations and boards influenced her to become an involved alumna at Mason, joining the School of Business Alumni Chapter Board, where she is committed to the mission of advancing the school’s reputation and interests.
There is a broad spectrum of tools and experiences Gabrielle Webster has gained from Mason’s Master of Science in Management program that are now trusted best practices in her everyday work. “My preference had always been to work independently,” she says. “But the cohort work forced me to excel in group projects, and that has become very important for me today.” Additionally, she grew a passion for economics that led her to write an article on the payday loan industry for an international magazine. Webster’s education has clearly laid the foundation for wherever she wants to go, with each experience serving as another building block. As Webster continues her trend of excellence, she works diligently for herself and others to surpass even the most ambitious goals.