NOTE FROM THE CEO
When I stepped into the role of CEO and owner at talkStrategy, I knew that I had the huge responsibility to foster a brave space coupled with an inclusive agency culture open to all perspectives. I don’t take this responsibility lightly. I am proud of the team we have built, each person bringing their own perspectives to the work, to the enrichment of the agency and to each other as individuals. Beginning this month, we will embark on a year-long journey to learn more about each other, explore new perspectives, and have candid conversations. As communications professionals, our role is to help brands navigate the modern channel ecosystem. We hope this endeavor will introduce new thinking, making us better communicators, better stewards of the ecosystem, and frankly better humans. To ensure we have diverse perspectives, the exploration will be spearheaded by rotating members of our team of talkStrategists. I hope you join us over the next weeks and months, as well as join in the dialogue.
Let's talk: Gertude Batiste
During this Black History Month we are taking the time to acknowledge and honor Black professionals who have made contributions to the Marketing and Communications industry as a whole, as well as recognizing those who are history in the making. To kick it off, we’re highlighting Gertude Batiste, someone close to home and integral to our client, the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas.
Gertrude Batiste, Membership Development Manager, Girl Scouts of South Texas
Batiste (1929-2020) was born in Houston, Texas, to a United Methodist minister and English teacher mother. Gertrude became a member of the first all-Black Girl Scouts troop in Houston, foreshadowing her career in volunteer work and passion for cross-cultural understanding and the advancement of girls and women. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wiley College with a B.A. in sociology and religious education and married her husband, Harold Batiste. Later when her daughter became involved in the same organization as a Junior Girl Scout, Batiste was elected the first Black president of the local board of directors and served from 1983-1985. That same year she joined the San Antonio Area Council of Girl Scouts staff as a field executive who desired to provide equal access to girl scouting on the eastside of San Antonio. Her duties included the recruitment and outreach development for girl scouting in eight regions: Martin Luther King, Kitty Hawk, Randolph, White, Wood, Cole and Alamo Heights. She retired in 1992 as Membership Development Manager.
Gertrude Batiste was a highly decorated and respected pillar of her community. She served on several boards and committees, including the president of the United Methodist Women at Windcrest United Methodist Church in San Antonio, president of the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, San Antonio Women’s Celebration and Hall of Fame, and The Great Ladies of San Antonio. She was also a founding member of the San Antonio Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
FUN FACT
Gertrude and her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Harold E. Batiste, Jr., USAF (Ret.), were married on Christmas Day and served their community together for 63 years.
Thank you for taking to the time to learn more with us about the impact of Black professionals in the field. Stay tuned throughout the coming months for more moments of reflection and homage. Follow for more talkStrategy storytelling at @wetalkstrategy.