Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nadia Gross. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nadia, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Growing up in Wilmington, (DE) especially in a tough neighborhood, resilience became a part of who I am out of sheer necessity. Life there was anything but easy—surrounded by crime and facing limited opportunities, I quickly learned the importance of being strong and adaptable. I had to figure out how to bounce back from setbacks, and that skill became essential for my survival and growth.
At first, I was heavily influenced by my surroundings, but deep down, I always longed for something more. At that time I didn’t have the guidance or encouragement I needed to chase those dreams. That all changed when I met my husband, who was my boyfriend at the time. He saw potential in me that I didn’t recognize in myself. His belief in my abilities was a beautiful thing. He inspired me to uncover and pursue my dreams, and through every challenge, he remained my biggest supporter.
My resilience isn’t just about responding to tough times; it’s a conscious choice I make every day. I rise after every fall, not just for the need to survive, but for a genuine desire to thrive. The journey from being a child with limited aspirations to becoming a fulfilled adult, mother, wife, and a successful creative professional feels surreal. I never imagined I could reach this point, but my resilience has been my guiding light. It’s incredible to reflect on how the strength I built as a child has come full circle, empowering me to achieve things I once thought were impossible.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a creative professional with expertise in marketing, media design, and photography. By day, I work as a marketing specialist, creating impactful marketing materials for celebrity events and more. My contributions have played a key role in our team’s success, earning us esteemed recognitions such as the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, and the 2022 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award for the Wilmington Library Brand Lift. In October 2024, I was honored with the Library Journal’s 2024 Marketer of the Year award. My skills in designing flyers for high-profile events and developing innovative marketing strategies have been instrumental in my professional growth and creativity. Additionally, I collaborate on web design projects and oversee the review and hiring of external businesses for our events. My responsibilities extend to Public Relations, Media Outreach, Script Writing, and Content Creation.
What I love most about my work is not just the creativity it allows but also the opportunity to meet remarkable guests who visit Wilmington, including LeVar Burton from Reading Rainbow, movie producer Robert Townsend, actor Larenz Tate, iconic rappers Kid N Play, and the talented comedians Kym Whitley, Kim Fields, Kim Wayans, and Kim Coles. Each person has been fun to work with, bringing their down-to-earth energy to our events.
In addition to my full-time role, I am a freelance photographer. My projects have included a notable photoshoot with a local artist, which was featured on a Times Square jumbotron. I also partnered with a graphic designer to create a magazine mockup, where I not only captured the model’s images but also contributed to the magazine’s design.
Beyond my professional life, I love my family life. I have been married to my best friend for 13 years, sharing a loving partnership for 17 years. Together, we have built a warm, nurturing home for our three children and three additional guardianship children. Family time is precious to me since tomorrow is not promised. An extra little fun bit about me is that I love cheese. You might catch me at DiBruno Brothers in Philly. And I also love mermaids, so it’s no surprise that Ariel is my favorite Disney Princess.
I want to offer you this piece of advice: even if you find yourself without someone to believe in you, remember that you can always believe in yourself. Tap into that passion buried deep within your soul and take action on it. Avoid being stagnant and relentlessly challenge the imposter syndrome that plagues so many of us. I believe in you. Now, go out there and pursue the dreams you’ve been sitting on. Do it afraid!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, I can pinpoint three key qualities and skills that were most impactful: obtaining a degree, acquiring new skills relevant to my field, and gaining practical experience. These elements were instrumental in my growth and success.
Key Qualities and Skills
Pursuing Education: Going back to college was a transformative period in my life. It wasn’t just about earning a degree; it was about expanding my horizons and diving deep into subjects I was passionate about. Education provided me with the foundation I needed to thrive.
Skill Development: Through my coursework, I was able to learn and refine skills that were crucial in my field. This continuous learning process kept me competitive and adaptable in a rapidly changing job market.
Gaining Experience: Applying what I learned in real-world scenarios was essential. Whether through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work, gaining practical experience allowed me to build confidence and competence.
Advice for Those Early in Their Journey
Pursue Your Passions: If possible, pursue education in a field you love. Whether it’s a full degree or certification courses, immersing yourself in what excites you will make the journey more fulfilling.
Seek Experience: Experience is invaluable. Try to gain it through internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions. Even if these roles are unpaid or low-paying, the experience will be a stepping stone to greater opportunities.
Utilize Free Resources: If traditional education isn’t an option, don’t overlook the numerous free resources available. Platforms like YouTube offer tutorials on nearly any subject, and local libraries are treasure troves of knowledge and tools. Libraries often offer free access to books, equipment, sound booths, and workshops that can enhance your skills.
Engage Locally: Look for free local events, workshops, and community programs. These can be great opportunities to learn new skills, network (probably most important), and explore potential career paths.
Remember, the path to success is not always linear, and each step—no matter how small—brings you closer to your goals. Stay curious, remain persistent, and make the most of the resources around you.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
When I think about the challenges I’ve faced and the skills I’ve developed along the way, one person stands out: my husband. His support has been invaluable. As a graphic designer, he has a wealth of knowledge in the creative world, and I often find myself turning to him for advice and feedback. His expertise is something I truly admire, and he often sees things from angles I hadn’t even considered.
Having someone with more experience in your field can make a world of difference, no matter what profession you’re in. Whether it’s a mentor, a colleague, or a close friend, having a knowledgeable person to lean on can really help you grow. It not only boosts your confidence but also allows you to pursue your passions more effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.NadiasDesignEmporium.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-bonilla-gross-a14878185/
Image Credits
ALL but one photo (KidNPlay – my cell photo) was taken by photographer Emir Lake.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
