Crafting Stories That Drive Change
Seasoned communications and marketing thought leader with over 20 years of experience securing national media placements, building strategic partnerships, and amplifying organizational impact through compelling storytelling.
Impact At-A-Glance
Featured Media Outlets
Organizations & Partners
A Voice for Impact
Gelasia Croom, MSPR, is a dynamic communications and marketing leader with a demonstrated capacity to provide comprehensive, effective media relations, strategy, and outreach. With a proven track record of developing and sustaining qualified media relationships, she has built awareness and visibility around organizational agendas and events while spearheading cohesive messaging across departments and internal/external communications.
Her strategic communication efforts have led to sustained dialogues with top-tier Illinois news outlets such as The Chicago Tribune and The Chicago Sun-Times, as well as national placements in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, TMZ, CNN, and CBS Evening News.
As Founder and CEO of Hustler's Collective Marketing Agency, Gelasia continues to blend relentless drive with decades of professional expertise, leading organizational messaging, identifying and developing diverse and inclusive teams, and forging strategic partnerships that helped clients and national organizations reach their goals.
Sold-Out National Conference
As Chief Communications Officer at Prevent Child Abuse America, Gelasia led the marketing strategy that sold out the national non-profit's first post-pandemic national conference. From creating the opening video to developing strategic influencer partnerships, every touchpoint was designed to build excitement and drive attendance.
Gelasia worked alongside research, development, events and the grassroots home visiting team to procure design standards and communication strategies that immersed visitors and guests into the experience.
Arts, Culture & Community Impact
As Communications Director at Rebuild Foundation, I served as communications strategist and digital marketing lead for globally recognized artist Theaster Gates, amplifying cultural programming that transforms communities through art, culture, and civic engagement.
Led comprehensive communications strategy for Theaster Gates' artistic practice and Rebuild Foundation's cultural initiatives, managing media relations, digital marketing, and brand storytelling for internationally acclaimed exhibitions and community programs at Stony Island Arts Bank and other South Side Chicago cultural spaces.
Media Placements & Conservation Campaigns
The Simpsons Praised by Child Abuse Prevention Org
Secured major national media placement in TMZ as Chief Communications Officer at Prevent Child Abuse America, connecting entertainment industry with child abuse prevention advocacy in a cultural moment that reached millions of viewers.
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Greater Lakes: $12M+ Impact Story
Created and produced the Greater Lakes cover story that led to an initial $1.8M donation and subsequent $12.5M in funding for Great Lakes conservation work. This editorial achievement demonstrates the power of strategic storytelling in driving major philanthropic support.
Setting Fires and Restoring an American Landscape
National coverage of prescribed burns and prairie restoration efforts in Illinois.
Why Bringing Back Bison Could Help Restore America's Lost Prairies
Featured conservation storytelling connecting wildlife restoration with ecosystem health.
Back in Brown: American Bison Return to the Midwest
National CBS Evening News coverage of prairie restoration and bison reintroduction.
National Media Coverage: CBS Evening News
"Back in Brown: American Bison Return to the Midwest"
Secured national CBS Evening News coverage for The Nature Conservancy's groundbreaking prairie restoration and bison reintroduction project at Nachusa Grasslands in Illinois. This segment reached millions of viewers nationwide, showcasing the intersection of conservation science and wildlife restoration.
Coordinated on-site filming with CBS Evening News crew
Facilitated interviews with conservation scientists
National broadcast reached millions of viewers
Community Engagement & Environmental Justice
Green Health Advocates Youth Program
Developed and promoted innovative youth environmental education program connecting public health, community thriving, and ecological flourishing. Partnered with Trinity United Church of Christ and Dr. Rev. Otis Moss III to engage Chicago youth in conservation leadership.
Imani Village Eco-Health Event
Coordinated multi-partner community event connecting environmental conservation with public health in Chicago's South Side. Collaborated with Trinity United Church of Christ, University of Illinois at Chicago, Gary Comer Youth Center, and other community organizations.
Dr. Rev. Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ, presenting on the Green Health Advocates program
In the Field
Hustler's Collective Marketing Agency
Leading a marketing agency that blends relentless drive with decades of professional expertise. We specialize in brand amplification, web design, social media campaigns, strategic messaging, media relations, and partnership development for businesses and nonprofits ready to make an impact.
Career Highlights
Founder / CEO
Leading a marketing agency that blends relentless drive with decades of professional expertise. Services include brand amplification, web design, social media campaigns, strategic messaging, media relations, and partnership development.
Chief Communications Officer
- Built website and branding refresh in under 4 months
- Sold out national conference with strategic marketing
- Secured donor matches totaling over $300,000 in in-kind support
- Created partnerships with streaming TV network and corporate software platform
- Achieved zero team turnover through compassionate leadership
Director, Strategic Communications
- Secured placements in Chicago Tribune, New York Times, and regional outlets
- Secured keynote speakers driving $400,000 fundraising goal
- Created policy podcast highlighting foster care advocacy
Associate Director of Communications
- Greater Lakes article led to $1.8M initial donation + $12.5M in subsequent funding
- Negotiated regular content contributor status with Ebony.com, FOX 32 Chicago
- Established paid internship program for marginalized communities
- Secured placements in NYT, CNN, CBS Evening News, and major outlets
Awards & Recognition
Chicago Association of Direct Marketers Tempo Award
3rd Place (Entire Marketing Team)
PR Daily Award Winner
Green Campaign: "Working with Nature to Manage Floods"
Publicity Club of Chicago Silver Trumpet Winner
Master of Science, Public Relations
Syracuse University
Bachelor of Arts, Print Journalism
Hampton University
Let's Create Impact Together
Whether you need strategic communications counsel, media relations expertise, or a comprehensive marketing campaign, I'm here to help amplify your message and drive results.