Gabrielle Clay, a senior project accountant, has been named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s 2019 30 under 30 list.
Selected by the editorial board and previous winners, the honorees span markets, industries and professions. Clay was recognized for managing more than $146 million in project budgets since joining HOK’s St. Louis studio in 2016. She works closely with HOK leadership, clients and consultants to ensure financial aspects of the firm’s projects run smoothly.
In a Q+A, she shares more about her career path, ambitions and what makes St. Louis a great place to live.
Excerpted from St. Louis Business Journal:
Did you always hope to build your career in St. Louis? Yes, I love my hometown and the family friendly communities across the city.
What do you look for in a mentor? Someone who encourages me to challenge myself and is honest when discussing their accomplishments and failures. Also equally important, is a mentor that understands work/life balance while achieving professional goals.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received? The best career advice that I have received was to get out of your comfort zone and embrace new challenges. Also, the importance of investing in yourself such as continuing education or learning a new expertise.
What’s your most rewarding volunteer experience? My most rewarding volunteer experience was building small homes for a community in Matamoras, Mexico. It was very difficult seeing the poor living conditions of children and lack of housing and shelter for families. I left knowing that we made a difference in the day-to-day lives of many families.
Where can people find you if you’re not at the office? At my son’s football games, my daughter’s tennis lessons or traveling with family and friends.
What’s on your summer reading list? When I’m not reading with my 4-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son, I enjoy reading financial articles and journals. I’m looking forward to reading “Becoming” by Michelle Obama this summer when I have some down time.