NSIDE MAGAZINE: Gisela Girard - An Inspiration to Young Professionals

Article written by: Missy Rodriguez

NSIDE Magazine September 2009 Issue

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On a normal work day, filled with ideation sessions, brainstorming and client presentations, Gisela Girard received news that caused her to pause for a moment to reflect on the role and responsibilities she thrives on. As a principal of a leading advertising agency and chairman of an influential national advertising organization, Latino Leaders magazine, a national publication, notified Girard that she had been named one of the “101 Most Influential Leaders in Hispanic U.S.A”.The noteworthy list, compiled of distinguished leaders around the nation, selected Girard because of her dynamic leadership and bold vision of bridging the communications gap between corporate America and the emerging new mainstream of consumers in our country. She exercises her convictions in numerous capacities.

She is a co-founder and president of Creative Civilization, a San Antonio based full service advertising and public relations firm, as well as leading the national advertising industry as chairman of the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA).What’s amazing to her is the company she is associated with in the Latino Leader’s list of 101 Most Influential Leaders in Hispanic U.S.A., which encompasses a range of categories including government, education, arts, business, health and sports, among others. In the list are such notables as Penelope Cruz, Tony Romo, Sonia Sotomayor, Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, and Salma Hayek. Not bad company for a San Antonio native who learned at an early age the importance of a solid work ethic.Growing up in San Antonio with a strong and supportive family, Girard was able to identify the characteristics of what a successful leader should be. Girard attributes her success to the many mentors who have guided her throughout her life, beginning with her parents. She also values her long time relationship with Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade, who Girard identifies as a role model for all women through her determination, dignity and ability to continue to break barriers.

Girard believes that a strong leader exudes confidence under difficult situations, remains focused on the team’s mission and is compassionate for the success of all individuals.“Integrity and courage – these are the prime characteristics of Gisela Girard,” says business partner and husband, Al Aguilar. “She balances her national and local leadership roles with calmness and intelligence. She inspires young professionals every day.”

She is a product of a Catholic education which began early in life from kindergarten through high school at Providence. Later, Girard attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, received a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University, and a master’s degree from Trinity University.Following graduate school, she attended the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Real Estate Development School at the University of Wisconsin in Madison which led to her interest in real estate market research and analysis. Girard has traveled to many parts of the world giving her a perspective of the special and unique place she is from.

She spent several years in the commercial real estate industry managing numerous developments throughout the country. Later, she established Gisela Girard Commercial Real Estate, a brokerage firm responsible for a diverse portfolio including redevelopment of downtown properties as well as other real estate holdings in Mexico and Argentina.In 1999, Girard and Aguilar co-founded their advertising agency, Creative Civilization. As the President/COO of Creative Civilization, Girard continues to utilize her research and analysis training, management skills and entrepreneurial drive in the world of advertising and public relations.Girard and her staff produce high-profile outreach campaigns for national and regional clients. The agency created Go Spurs Go, Team is Everything and There’s No News Like The Express-News, among the many messages that have become a part of our community’s landscape.

“It is gratifying to evolve my work into creative expressions that capture the imagination and motivate consumers for the diverse client roster that Creative Civilization represents in the areas of health, transportation, arts and media,” says Girard. “The ultimate reward in my profession is knowing that through what we do as a company, we have positively impacted lives.”In addition to her agency, Girard tries to make a difference in the community through her active board and volunteer roles with local and national organizations.

Girard extends her active support of the community through the following organizations.

• Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA) – 2009-2010, Chairman

• San Antonio Opera – Board of Directors, Vice Chair of Marketing

• San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Vice Chair, Communications

• ACTS Missions – Board of Directors

• Founding Member of Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA), San Antonio Chapter

• Founding Committee for WNBA in San Antonio

• San Antonio Public Library Foundation, Board of Directors

• Providence High School, Board of Directors

“We are living in an extraordinary time in San Antonio. Our time has come. Our agency’s role in the community and on a national level will continue to rise in importance because of our talented team and a passion to succeed,” says Girard.

Balancing work and a personal life is very important to Girard. She emphasizes the importance of that for her entire team of professionals at Creative Civilization.“While there is no substitute for a strong work ethic, as instilled by my parents, I believe it’s important that our agency team has time for their personal life. Happy people make happy employees,” says Girard.

Girard sees the advertising business as being a lifestyle. Not only is it fast-paced, exciting and rewarding for her, it’s also something that she shares every single day with her partner and husband.While she and Aguilar enjoy the vibrancy of their unique downtown ad agency space that they designed over a decade ago, they also take comfort in the afternoon sunsets of their Spanish/Moorish designed home, Dos Sueños. They were inspired while traveling through the Anadalucia region of Spain, which led to a site selection and design for the residence, which has been featured, on HGTV’s Homes Across America and the Fine Living channel.Girard also finds time to garden and work on her photography. She is also planning a follow up exhibit to “Faith, Friendship & Photography”, a collaboration by Girard and two friends produced a few years ago.

“If I could offer any advice to future professionals, it would be to connect the talents you were born with to a profession where you can excel with your natural abilities. Dedicate yourself with a passion for your profession,” says Girard. “Identify something you enjoy doing and do it. If you love what you do every single day, it will be extremely gratifying.” She adds, “Most importantly, always be respectful to the people you work with and those you work for. You never know when your paths may cross again on the journey of your professional life.” Words of wisdom from Gisela Girard, one of the 101 Most Influential Leaders in Hispanic U.S.A.

For more information on Creative Civilization, visit http://www.creativecivilization.com/ or call Gisela Girard at (210) 227-1999.