Gabrielle Kolditz | Washington, IL

Known as a softspoken leader, Gabrielle Kolditz was raised in Peoria and graduated in 2011 with her Bachelor of Arts in Communication - Public Relations from Bradley University. Employed by a staffing agency called Populus Group, she has spent the last eight years working as a Health Communications Specialist at Caterpillar, organizing and managing blood drives, flu clinics and their total health program. Kolditz explains, “I love being able to use my creativity and technical skillset to promote one of my own personal interests: health and wellness.”

Kolditz isn’t just passionate about the health and wellness of humans. Having originally desired to be a veterinarian, Kolditz’s love for animals remains. She volunteers extensively for the Peoria Humane Society (PHS) and uses her creative and copy-editing skills on the Public Awareness, Whine and Whiskers and Bark in the Park Committees. Michelle Balzell, a PHS board member, describes Gabby as “a quiet leader who does not seek attention but is steadfast in making our community a better place.” Gabby has rescued two pitbull terriers and is excited to add more as soon as she can get her family on board. “In the meantime,” Kolditz adds, “I encourage everyone who will listen to ‘adopt—don’t shop,’ spay/neuter your pets and treat all animals with kindness and respect.”

Kolditz devotes the rest of her time to her greatest passion—her family. She is happily married to Brett Kolditz (40 Leaders Under 40 Class of 2024) who says of her, “Gabby’s impact on our community extends beyond her own involvement; she is a catalyst who actively encourages and inspires others to serve…She embodies leadership by motivating others and leading by example.” Together, Gabby and Brett have a five-year-old son, Calvin. Kolditz cites being his mom as the “greatest joy (and challenge) in life.”

Kolditz has strong family ties and is still close with her parents, Greg and Shelli. “They’ve made me feel so loved and supported my entire life. They’ve also provided an invaluable gift by helping care for Calvin from infancy to present while Brett and I work.” Gabby draws inspiration from her grandmother, Wanda, whom she recalls, “filled my childhood with music, dancing, crafting, smiling, laughter and so much love. Although she has been gone for many years, her love and spirit are perfectly preserved in my memory.”

Although life has thrown Gabby its share of challenges, they’ve become catalysts for personal growth. “Whether surviving a toxic work environment, loving someone battling addiction, having a baby prematurely during a global pandemic or dealing with grief after losing a loved one, I’ve learned to adapt, focus on what I can control in the situation and be resilient.”