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Daily Inspiration: Meet Gia Compton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gia Compton.

Hi Gia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in Atlanta during what I think of as the Golden Age of Atlanta. It was during this period that visionary leaders had cleared paths that I would later follow. Among those leaders was my great -grandmother who was a housekeeper at Emory University where I would years later obtain my law degree. The desire to become an attorney developed early for me as a result of observing a series of injustices, the daily of grind of people living in oppressive circumstances without recourse and a generation of people who dared to require an even playing field. I have always been wired to advocate on behalf of others and problem-solve. I have always had a passion for the arts as well. In high school student I initiated, organized and promoted city-wide talent shows. I listened to music for hours and read album jackets over and over again. I stayed past the end of movies and studied the film credits. It has all come together beautifully as I find myself in spaces with writers, artists, musicians and social entrepreneurs that call upon me for my legal expertise as well as my affinity with their creative energy.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles tend to develop depth of resilience, compassion and confidence. Each challenge was necessary to develop me into the person that I am and give what I do to the work and clients I support. The struggles during the early days of my career are much the same as they are now for Black women entering the legal or entertainment fields. There are still barriers to entry. In a city such as Atlanta, it appears that the professions are very diverse but when you look at the universe of lawyers or entertainment executives you see that the number is still a small percentage of the whole. Resilience and tenacity put struggles in perspective.I have been blessed by pushing forward and creating my own way.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been a lawyer for many years but I am happy that I have entered the space on the other side of the production. I have a well-honed set of skills as an attorney and those come with me in every room I enter but I am a writer, producer, and connector also. I love deal-making and creating teams. What sets me apart are my listening and problem-solving skills. I help people see possibilities and remain grounded when the unplanned occurs.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The shutdown underscored for me the importance of taking a beat and being reverent. I am grateful for the relationships that expanded and those that remained steadfast. I was thrilled as I saw people make a way out of no way and continue to create and produce.

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