PITTSBURGH – Gatesman, one of the fastest-growing, privately owned marketing communications agencies in the U.S., is proud to announce that Aleya Crable Jennings has been selected as a recipient of a 2018 Strong Award from Strong Women, Strong Girls (SWSG). Crable Jennings has been actively involved in the Pittsburgh chapter of SWSG for the past year and is at the forefront of the organization’s push for diversity and inclusion, particularly among the collegiate mentors.

A mentorship and service organization, SWSG supports and strengthens the spirit of girls from underprivelged communities. Female professionals, like Crable Jennings, serve as a sounding board for college women who in turn mentor girls in kindergarten through high school. The group works to empower young women, foster leadership skills and create a female community.

“Being recognized by an organization that I care so passionately about is humbling to say the least,” said Crable Jennings, AVP, group account director. “Having the  opportunity to serve as a role model and mentor for younger women, particularly girls of color, is something I take great pride in.”

In August 2017, Crable Jennings stepped into a leadership role with the SWSG Diversity Committee and has since provided guidance on recruitment and retention strategies for undergraduate women. She has also advocated for curriculum enhancements to better educate women on the communities in which they mentor. Under her direction, the Diversity Committee is working to equip college women with the tools to know what to do, what to say and how to show up for young girls when difficult topics are brought into the conversation.

In addition to her work with SWSG, Crable Jennings founded and leads the Diversity & Inclusion Caucus at Gatesman.

“We couldn’t be more proud of Aleya’s accomplishments, and we are thrilled to have her as a strong, positive force on our team,” said Shannon Baker, president, Gatesman. “As a fierce businesswoman and a champion of her local community, she is truly someone to be admired.”

Outside of her work with SWSG, Crable Jennings is actively involved in the Pittsburgh Women’s Alliance, Morning Star Baptist Church and the Pittsburgh chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was recently awarded the 2018 Barbara McNees Spirit of Athena Scholarship for the Leadership and Negotiation Academy for Women. The six-month program kicks off in September and is organized by the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University.

About Gatesman:

Gatesman is one of the fastest-growing, mid-size, privately owned agencies in the U.S. With offices in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Springfield, Mo., Gatesman offers expertise in strategy/branding, advertising, public relations, social media, digital and analytics. Gatesman is a partner in AMIN Worldwide, an alliance of over 50 independent marketing agencies, and IPREX, a global communications network. Gatesman acquired Quest Fore in 2014 and Noble Communications in 2017.