Gia Danso, a junior at Pope Francis Preparatory School (PFPS), shadowed Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) Marketing department on Wednesday, February 18. During her visit, she observed the team’s daily operations and gained insight into how marketing initiatives support brand visibility, audience engagement and event promotion.
Danso’s mentor for the day was Elizabeth Gourde, PFPS class of 2019 and Communications and Public Relations Coordinator within ESE’s Marketing department. Gourde said, “As a senior in high school, I did not know what career paths I could pave with a bachelor’s degree in English. I was determined to write, so it was fortuitous that I landed at ESE. Between The Big E, Hooplandia, The Fiber Festival of New England and more, we have many compelling stories to tell with distinct branding, and I am proud to be part of a company that values holistic education.”
At PFPS, Danso is actively involved in the National Honor Society, Key Club, Investment Club and is both the president and founder of the Pop Culture & Media Club. Danso is also involved in Cards that Care, a club that focuses on creating uplifting cards for individuals in surrounding communities, and Morgan’s Message, an organization that spreads awareness on mental health in teen athletes. Through PFPS’ Pathways Program, she connects with professionals, like Gourde, from various industries and gains valuable experience in networking.
Outside of school, Danso enjoys community service, competitive dance and participating in the Hampden District Attorney’s HERizon Program, which welcomes young women from all corners of Hampden County to collaborate in community engagement and fellowship. This program provides high school girls with opportunities to form friendships, mentorships with women in various fields and a welcoming environment that encourages self-expression.
Through her academic and extracurricular involvement, Danso has developed strong skills in communication, leadership and collaboration. She has a strong interest in marketing and aspires to pursue a career in fashion marketing, where she can blend creativity, brand strategy and consumer engagement.
Following her learning experience, Danso stated she is “grateful for the opportunity, as it has deepened both my interest in marketing and appreciation for the field. I loved learning about social media strategy, branding, content creation and campaign planning. The day strengthened my knowledge of strategic communications and provided valuable exposure to a professional marketing environment.”
ESE is a proponent of education and welcomes curiosity and creativity to the fairgrounds at all levels of academia. The team was elated to received Danso for the day and wishes her well in her professional journey.