Gabriela has over 20 years of experience in public affairs, marketing and media relations, specializing in helping public agencies to modernize.  Her work in creating and managing programs for the entrepreneur and startup communities allows her to facilitate next-generation teams, tools and technologies.  She delivers solutions for public agencies, global and national corporations and technology companies through Mora Dow Consulting.

Gabriela is a partner and spokesperson for Plug and Play San Diego, an affiliate of the leading entrepreneur community of Plug and Play Technology Center, which is based in Silicon Valley and has raised more than $1.8 billion of investment for approximately 200 startups worldwide.  As a managing partner for the Southern California organization StartupCircle, Gabriela interfaces with entrepreneurs and startups on a daily basis and was responsible for helping to significantly grow the organization.  She manages communications, marketing and outreach for both Plug and Play San Diego (#PNPSD) and StartupCircle, bringing extensive media coverage, interface with government leaders and regional corporations and industry groups.  Gabriela is also an advisor for multiple tech startups,  Cal-X (the California Stock Exchange), and is a frequent speaker, moderator and media source for topics such as crowdfunding, venture capital, Gov2.0, social media and development of innovation culture.

Gabriela is a founding member of the e-Government software company GovPartner (a startup launched in San Diego in 2000, acquired by Cartegraph in 2013) as well as an online registration portal in 2007 (Friends With Class) and a digital media startup in 1999 (ConLimon).

Some of her recent projects through Mora Dow Consulting include development and implementation of a Communications Plan for the world’s largest biotech incubator operated as a public/private partnership by the City of Carlsbad, development and launch of a conservation mobile app for the City of Oceanside with transactional capabilities and creation of an Infrastructure Innovation Panel for Atkins Global.  She has advised cities throughout the U.S. and abroad on modernization tactics and overseen more than 100 e-Government implementations.  She served as a judge for Mayor Jerry Sanders “San Diego Apps Challenge” in 2012 and has advised other elected officials on open gov, open data and incubator creation.

Gabriela is well versed in the use of technology to maximize outreach and manage results-driven programs. Her current contracts with public and private agencies include development of communications strategy and programs, public outreach and engagement, message and collateral development, events management, media relations and incorporation of digital / social media technology.  Her experience as a VP with GovPartner allows to her assist in managing complex, next-gen IT programs, having directly negotiated contracts from $100,000 to over $1 million.

Gabriela graduated from UCLA and began her career in print journalism and television news, including work at two CNN bureaus (Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles) and CBS News in Los Angeles.  She served as a press advance staffer for a presidential re-election campaign and worked at the White House Office of Public Liaison (known today as the Office of Public Engagement).  Gabriela also worked as an intergovernmental affairs officer for Governor Pedro Rossello before joining a La Jolla-based public affairs firm in 1999 where she managed public outreach programs for major environmental and public works projects.

Gabriela currently serves as a board member for the Valley Education Foundation and member of the Technology Advisory Committee for the Poway Unified School District.  She served on the board of Habitat for Humanity from 1999 to 2005, elected as both the board President and Vice President.