Introduction of 2019 Public Relations Intern

My name is Gabrielle Gerke and I am so excited to be serving as the 2019 Public Relations intern for this coming summer with the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. I grew up in State Center, Iowa and come from a family with a long history of being involved with 4-H and the Iowa State Fair. I was a 4-H member growing up and participated in many different project areas, my favorite being communications and visual arts. My mother and grandparents were 4-H leaders and my grandparents were recently inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame. I am looking forward to my continued involvement with the Iowa State Fair and seeing the fair from a different perspective as I coordinate the Iowan of the Day program.

Currently, I am a junior at Grand View University double majoring in journalism/public relations and graphic journalism. Within my major, I am involved with GV’s campus magazine, Viewfinder, as an editor and am the social media coordinator for the Campus Ministry team. In addition to my major, I am involved with Team GV, giving tours to prospective students; work as a resident assistant, putting on campus events; and am a member of the GV dance team.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, playing with my dog, and exploring downtown Des Moines.

As the Fair continues to get closer, I can almost taste the sweet, sugary taste of a lemonade and a steaming hot corndog as I watch the Bill Riley talent show; some of my favorite things about the Fair. Nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair!