Meet Whitney Gerstner

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Whitney Gerstner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Whitney, 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?

I believe my resilience comes from many things.

I was born fighting—literally. I came into this world at 4 pounds, 14 ounces with a heart murmur, and my adopted parents love to tell the story of how I fought the doctors in the hospital, proving I was stronger than I looked. Maybe it started there. Or maybe it’s the Leo fire in me—the deep, undeniable pull to do big things with my life.

Resilience has shown up in every chapter of my story. I’ve faced heartbreak and healing, from navigating an unhealthy relationship in college to finding my husband. I’ve built strength through sisterhood, the wonderful friends I made during my time as an Alpha Gamma Delta at Fort Hays State University. I’ve built strength through sobriety, a journey I committed to nearly six years ago. Finally, one of the hardest yet most rewarding journey of my life – motherhood.

Nothing tested my resilience like matrescence—the complete transformation of becoming a mother. Everyone talks about the beauty of motherhood, but few talk about how earth-shattering of an experience it is, especially when I gave birth at home. Postpartum anxiety and depression were heavier than I ever expected. The identity shift, the pressure, the weight of being everything to this tiny little human who you’re trying to get to know and understand, all while trying not to lose myself—it was a battle I didn’t see coming.

But here’s the thing: I’ve been fighting since day one. And resilience isn’t about having it all together—it’s about learning how to put yourself back together, over and over again. Motherhood didn’t just test me; it showed me what I’m made of. It forced me to rewrite the meaning of strength, to lean on family and friends, to surrender and rebuild.

I get my resilience from all of it—from the fighter I was at birth to the woman I am today. And I know I’ll keep finding it in every new challenge, every transformation, every time life asks me to rise again.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I have 14 years of experience in graphic design and 8 years in marketing and social media marketing, and I recently celebrated my one-year anniversary at Jana’s Campaign. Creativity is at the core of everything I do, which is why graphic design has been the foundation of my career. It seamlessly connects with marketing and social media because it allows me to bring my vision to life while staying engaged with ever-evolving trends.

What truly drives me in my role at Jana’s Campaign is the ability to design meaningful, informational, and life-saving resources. The work we do in prevention education around domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking goes beyond just raising awareness—it actively equips individuals, schools, and communities with the tools to prevent violence before it happens. From curating impactful social media content to organizing our largest event, Empty Place at the Table, my personal mission is to help create a safer, more inclusive world—not just for the people we serve, but for my own daughter to grow up in.

Beyond my professional work, I am also deeply passionate about Reiki and sound healing. As a Reiki Master and sound healer, I have experienced firsthand how energy work can provide clarity, grounding, and emotional healing. Just as my work in prevention education is about creating safety and empowerment on a societal level, my work in Reiki and sound healing is about nurturing healing and balance on an individual level. Through these practices, I help people release stress, reconnect with themselves, and cultivate inner peace—something that is especially important for survivors, caregivers, and anyone navigating life’s challenges. Whether through graphic design, advocacy, or holistic healing, my purpose is always rooted in helping others feel seen, safe, supported, and empowered.

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?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability through gratitude, and creative problem-solving.

Resilience – Life has thrown its challenges at me, from overcoming personal struggles to navigating the ever-changing landscape of motherhood and social media marketing. Resilience has been the foundation that has kept me moving forward, whether it was rebuilding my sense of self through motherhood, overcoming postpartum anxiety and depression, or stepping into leadership roles like Hays Young Professionals and being on the Board of First Call For Help. Advice: Resilience isn’t about never struggling—It’s about recognizing your strength, finding support when needed, and choosing to move forward with intention. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, take breaks when needed, and remember that growth often comes from the hardest moments.

Adaptability Through Gratitude – Change is inevitable, whether in life, career, or personal growth. I’ve learned that the key to navigating change isn’t just flexibility—it’s gratitude. Instead of resisting the unknown, I’ve embraced the mindset that every shift brings new opportunities, lessons, and perspectives. Gratitude has allowed me to see challenges as growth moments rather than setbacks. Advice: Stay curious. When faced with uncertainty, take a step back and ask, What is this teaching me? or What can I appreciate about this moment? By anchoring yourself in gratitude, adaptability becomes less about reacting to change and more about embracing it with an open heart.

Creative Problem-Solving – Motherhood has challenged me to think in ways I never imagined. It’s not just about managing daily routines—it’s about constantly adapting, trying your best, and celebrating the wins, no matter how big or small they are. Whether it’s figuring out how to soothe my crying daughter in the middle of the night, finding new ways to balance work and family, or teaching resilience and kindness through everyday moments, motherhood has shown me the power of thinking outside the box. Advice: Don’t be afraid to approach challenges creatively. Trust your instincts, try different solutions, and remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—especially in parenting. The more you embrace flexible thinking, the more empowered and confident you’ll feel in every area of life.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

I’ve had a lot of great support from my parents, brother, husband, family, and friends. My daughter even offers me support in the best and wholesome way possible by telling me, “You got this, you can do this momma!” Or by giving me a hug and telling me it’ll be alright. They all have been there for me, offering guidance, advice, and a safe space when I’ve needed it the most. On top of that, the wisdom and teachings from people like Tony Robbins, Abraham Hicks, Louise Hay, Gala Darling, and Kathrin Zenkina have really helped me shift my mindset and focus on personal growth and motivation. There have definitely been moments where their insights have made a big impact on me. My definition of success is being happy and grateful. All of them have been on my journey and have made me successful. I’m forever grateful for them.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitneygordon/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWhitneyGordon/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneygerstner/
• Other: https://pensight.com/x/thewhitneygordon

Image Credits

Treasure Focused Photography
Kit Schwarz