Meet the Women of GPO | 2022
Get to know the incredible women of GPO.
March marks Women’s History Month. During this time, GPO has been reflecting upon the contributions women make — both at home, in their communities, and in the workplace. Like those in tech before us, the women of GPO are talented, capable, and here to get stuff done.
Without further ado, meet the women of GPO!
Jane-Marie Barnes | Account Manager
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m originally from Dallas, TX, and found my passion for marketing and advertising while studying at the University of Texas at Austin. I’ve always been interested in psychology and understanding how human brains work and what influences them, and to me, advertising is applying that psychology to the corporate world.
Why did you decide to work in this industry?
Organic search is the battleground of digital word-of-mouth and is a true differentiator between brands. For example, if I’m looking for a pair of sunglasses but have no idea where to start, the first thing I do is research on Google. Whatever result populates first, I’m going to assume has a better idea of what I’m looking for compared to other search results. It’s fascinating!
What’s your favorite thing about working at GPO?
GPO is the first organization I’ve worked at that sincerely cares about its employees and works to ensure everyone feels heard, included, and like they’re working towards a common goal. We’re like a little family, and we’re always supporting each other.
What is your “why?” in life and work?
I think a lot about what my purpose is in life, and at the end of the day, I just want to help others succeed.
What steps do you take to ensure balance in your career, personal life, and passions?
I make sure to keep a steady routine and focus on being present at work as well as when I’m with my husband and our dog. Taking time for yourself is important — otherwise, it’s hard to bring your best self to the office.
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Stop worrying so much about the future and what other people think — it will all work out exactly the way it’s supposed to and you’ll be so glad it did!
What advice would you give to young women entering your profession?
When I graduated college, the best piece of advice I received was from my dad. He told me, “from the moment you walk into that office on your first day, make yourself indispensable. Make sure they can’t afford to lose you.” This industry is fast-paced and ever-evolving, and it’s important to keep up and always think ahead!
What are some challenges you’ve overcome? How would you recommend others navigate those challenges?
My career has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. During those downs, the only thing you can do is put one foot in front of the other. Even though it might not feel like it, eventually, you WILL get to the other side. 10000% guaranteed.
Words of wisdom or a quote that gets you up in the morning?
Be the version of You today that the You 20 years from now wishes you had been.
Allyson Chapa | Technical Program Manager
Tell us a little about yourself.
Born and raised Austinite who enjoys spending time with friends and family. My favorite pastimes include reading and organizing. Yes, it’s true I organize just about anything — from pantries to excel sheets and software implementations. Interesting fact: I’ve been skydiving.
Why did you decide to work in this industry?
It’s fast-paced and always changing. I enjoy the day-to-day fluctuations and how the industry is always pushing beyond. There is no such thing as stagnation — and that matches my personality!
What’s your favorite thing about working at GPO?
My favorite thing about working at GPO is getting to see a company evolve from an agency to a tech company. It’s a very unique experience to see how processes and communication can change a company from the bottom up.
What is your “why?” in life and work?
My why is my family. I find that I’m fortunate to have a partner in life that works just as hard (if not harder) as I do. We challenge each other in our household and celebrate our wins together.
What steps do you take to ensure balance in your career, personal life, and passions?
I’m involved in a lot outside of work: Make A Wish, Junior League of Austin, and Between the Covers Book Club. These activities keep me nice and busy and help build a strong community outside of the office.
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Oh gosh! I would say get on anxiety meds sooner than later. Haha!
What advice would you give to young women entering your profession?
Always volunteer for a new project. You may just find your new job opening something you never knew you enjoyed.
What are some challenges you’ve overcome? How would you recommend others navigate those challenges?
For me, it’s been perfectionism. I have severe (debilitating) anxiety that made it almost impossible for me to take feedback and make mistakes. I felt like I was constantly struggling to put myself through fear of rejection. I was able to find mentors who have walked in my shoes to help me understand how to deal with stress and anxiety while being a successful employee.
Words of wisdom or a quote that gets you up in the morning?
I just took a DNA test turns out I’m 100% … AWESOME. 😉
Haley Collins | Director of Operations and Content
Tell us a little about yourself.
Colorado-bred and now Tennessee-rooted. I enjoy all things related to the written word and couldn’t live without reading and writing! When I’m not living my best life at GPO, I’m traveling, exercising, building epic Airbnb lists, and writing short stories via text message.
Why did you decide to work in this industry?
I didn’t know this industry existed when I graduated college! My journey started with a passion for writing and evolved into a love for digital content and the search experience. I’ve stayed in this industry because it’s the best place, as a content creator, to provide the most actionable value to the widest audience.
What’s your favorite thing about working at GPO?
The people! My team is smart, supportive, and constantly pushing themselves to be better. That’s the grit and hustle I want to surround myself with. I’ve also never experienced such autonomy and trust in the workplace. GPO has spoiled me worse than a grandparent on Christmas morning!
There’s also the nature of what we do at GPO. We get our clients’ data, products, and services to the right people at the right time. Sounds fluffy, but we have the opportunity to improve everyday lives. Let’s say you need help troubleshooting a leak under your car. Is it safe to drive? Where is your nearest repair shop? Or, maybe you can’t figure out why your TV turns off by itself and you’re about to miss America’s Got Talent. These are real, frustrating, in-the-moment needs that can be turned into fruitful ones. At GPO, we identify the problems that our clients solve, then “back up” in the journey to create and position their information to be served at the right time, to the right people.
What is your “why?” in life and work?
The unknown! What’s next, what experience is around the corner, what will I discover? And can I wear sparkles?
What steps do you take to ensure balance in your career, personal life, and passions?
I’m still learning this balance! At a minimum, I try to take at least a 15-minute walk during lunch, plan a travel adventure every quarter, and remind myself that there’s no such thing as a content emergency. I have exactly one life to live and must act accordingly.
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Call your brother. Call your mom. Call everyone back and pay more attention to your relationships with people. There is no award for going it alone, and you can never go back in time and start a friendship or relationship. And while you’re at it, be intentional about literally everything in your life — where you live, work, play, travel, etc.
What advice would you give to young women entering your profession?
Similar to the above, cultivate your community and be intentional. Be aware and cautious of the type of work environment you put yourself in. Not all environments are created equal, and you WILL absorb parts of wherever you land. Also, never stop writing for yourself. If that’s what brings you joy, write for yourself and hold onto your voice. One of the beauties of the content creation profession is that you learn to adopt a thousand voices. Just make sure yours is still one of those thousand.
What are some challenges you’ve overcome? How would you recommend others navigate those challenges?
My work and GPO have always been a place of stability, creativity, and challenge for me. During my husband’s deployments in Afghanistan, GPO was there! And when he returned and went to law school in a different part of the state, GPO was there and always flexible for the years we lived apart.
Words of wisdom or a quote that gets you up in the morning?
No joke… I sing the “Winnie the Pooh theme” song every morning. Gotta get up, I’ve gotta get going….I’m gonna see a friend of mine…
Erika DeVerter | Content Writer
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised just outside of Kansas City, Missouri. In 2020, I packed up my cats and dog and followed my family to Nashville in search of warmer weather and greener pastures.
I’ve always had many interests, too much curiosity, and an unwavering love for writing. Naturally, I wanted to be a journalist. I studied Journalism at Mizzou before I fell in love with strategic communication and transferred to William Jewell College where I obtained my BS in Public Relations.
Both during/post-grad, I’ve worked in social media management, content marketing, branding, and as a freelance writer.
Outside of work, you’ll likely find me in a Pilates reformer class, making music, spending time with my pets, hiking with my family, or frequenting Nashville coffee shops.
Why did you decide to work in this industry?
Once I found my passion for content marketing, it was game over. I love that the tech industry is ever-evolving and keeps me on my toes. Every day I can expect to learn, face new challenges, and innovate.
What’s your favorite thing about working at GPO?
The first thing that comes to mind? My cats join me for meetings — one of the perks of WFH life.
But really, it’s the people! From day one, the entire team has been welcoming. Everyone at GPO actively works to create an inclusive environment where you feel seen, heard, and respected.
What is your “why?” in life and work?
It’s important to me to feel like I’m making a positive impact in both my personal and professional life. In past positions, I struggled with finding that “why”. Thankfully, at GPO I get the opportunity to do my part in making the internet a better place by creating valuable content that helps searchers quickly find what they’re looking for.
What steps do you take to ensure balance in your career, personal life, and passions?
For me, it’s waking up early. I need that time in the morning to catch up on the news, set my day’s intentions, snuggle with my pets, jot down ideas, and slooowwwly sip my first cappuccino. Taking that time to myself early in the day helps me get centered and show up fully present.
I’m also a huge fan of lunch-break workouts. Getting myself up and moving at lunch helps me physically and mentally feel my best.
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Use sunscreen, drink water, and enjoy the ride — it’ll all work out. And, don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself from time to time, you’ll have more fun if you do.
What advice would you give to young women entering your profession?
Criticism is a natural (and crucial) part of the writing process — and life in general. Learn to embrace critique without taking it personally. Doing so will make you easier to work with and help you grow. Learn from edits, make corrections, and adapt. You’re gonna go far, kid!
What are some challenges you’ve overcome? How would you recommend others navigate those challenges?
I’ve struggled with perfectionism both professionally and in my personal life. During those times my creativity and productivity both suffered as a result. Overcoming perfectionism is a process — one that I’m still working on. Show yourself compassion and remember that no creative work will ever feel finished. Set it free, anyways.
Words of wisdom or a quote that gets you up in the morning?
“Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.”
― Gloria Steinem
Charlee Freeman | Content Writer
Tell us a little about yourself.
Houston native here! I hold a Psychology degree (with a minor in creative writing) from SFASU. Post-university, I taught high school ESL students. These children inspired me to open my horizons and travel. Consequently, much of my life has been a whirlwind of teaching abroad, flight attending, and freelancing. Now, I travel in my spare time and spend most weekends visiting long-distance loved ones.
Why did you decide to work in this industry?
I grew up writing heavily illustrated “novels” as a child. Crafting stories was always a passion of mine. A few years after college, it dawned on me! I should pursue a career that allows me to enjoy my favorite pastimes — travel and writing. That happened to be a remote job at GPO.
What’s your favorite thing about working at GPO?
I enjoy two things about GPO equally. One: I have the freedom to work remotely while traveling whenever and however I want. Two: The culture here is unmatched. Our team focuses on client objectives, but we’re also not afraid to talk about the tough stuff.
What is your “why?” in life and work?
My “why” is family. I have a younger brother (he’ll be four when this article is published), and I want to help set the foundation he needs to achieve whatever he wants in this life. I didn’t have a privileged upbringing, but my dream has always been to change that narrative for my family.
What steps do you take to ensure balance in your career, personal life, and passions?
Each morning, I rise before the sun to focus on the long-term goals I’ve set for myself. This involves practicing yoga, journaling, honing my Spanish skills, and more. I don’t allow any obligation — work or otherwise — to encroach on this sacred time. It definitely helps me to achieve balance.
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Being a socialite and A-student is not all that you are. There’s so much value in getting to know yourself, standing up for what you believe in, and enjoying other activities beyond college parties and earning good grades. Find your hobbies and achieve them by any means necessary.
What advice would you give to young women entering your profession?
If this profession is something you think you’d enjoy, do it. It’s really as simple as that. This career path isn’t always easy, but it’s also not always hard. Women at tech companies are a thing. Make it yours.
… And don’t be afraid to take up space. You.are.worthy!
What are some challenges you’ve overcome? How would you recommend others navigate those challenges?
Imposter syndrome is something I struggle with and haven’t fully overcome. I know the answer to conquering this, but the application isn’t always easy.
The answer — Nobody has life figured out. Remember that you deserve a seat at the table just as much as anyone else.
Words of wisdom or a quote that gets you up in the morning?
“If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive.”
― Audre Lorde
This quote reminds me to remain true to myself and never to allow anyone’s negative opinions or perspectives of me to become my reality.
Laura Hoot | Senior SEO Analyst
Tell us a little about yourself.
I find it really difficult to write about myself. So, we can start there… but if someone else were to write about me, per se, they might say something like, “Laura is a hard-working, loving mom and wife.”
Why did you decide to work in this industry?
Well, to be honest… money! In college, I traded movie reviews for movie tickets and SXSW and Austin film festival passes. It was fun, but a free movie screening doesn’t pay for your electric bill. SEO provided a way for me to write – search engine optimized articles, specifically – for money.
What’s your favorite thing about working at GPO?
The PEOPLE! Spoiler alert: SEO is boring, sometimes. So, it’s the people that keep me going – the clients I’ve gotten to know over the years, and my coworkers, who are all about supporting each other, even in a remote environment.
What is your “why?” in life and work?
My son. That’s a cop-out I guess, but let’s just say I’d be making very different life decisions if I didn’t have a kid.
What steps do you take to ensure balance in your career, personal life, and passions?
GPO facilitates this by allowing me to work remotely, and also being understanding when mom-related conflicts come up! And so do family and friends. It’s so important to take advantage of people in your life. People who can watch your kid while you go have a date night with your husband!
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Don’t be so close-minded about therapy.
What advice would you give to young women entering your profession?
It’s not a race. It’s your life. Make sure to enjoy it, and create memories and relationships that will keep you warm as you grow older.
What are some challenges you’ve overcome? How would you recommend others navigate those challenges?
For me, it’s not always easy to read the room! I’ve definitely gotten better at it, but sometimes you have to take a step back, and ask, “Who is my audience? What is my goal?” Just because you have good intentions, doesn’t mean your point will be well-taken!
Words of wisdom or a quote that gets you up in the morning?
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
— C.S. Lewis
Nikol Moen | Marketing Director
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a working mom of two toddlers who loves spending time on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas with my family! I’m currently — and slowly — pursuing a Master’s in English in the evenings, and my obsessions include podcasts, audiobooks, and making Shutterfly photo albums.
Why did you decide to work in this industry?
I’ve been in love with content marketing since the beginning of my career. Having the ability to work at a company that’s creating and optimizing content technology for brands helps me wake up ready to tackle the workday.
What’s your favorite thing about working at GPO?
I love working with every single person at GPO! Our team is extremely talented, kind, and — bonus points! —hilarious.
What is your “why?” in life and work?
My “why” in life and work is to create meaningful relationships with the people around me. I believe in creating a tribe of connections you can count on at work and at home.
What steps do you take to ensure balance in your career, personal life, and passions?
I was once told that interesting people do interesting things. In order to be an interesting person DOING interesting things, I try to segment my day into work, family, and personal time to allow myself time and energy to focus on each.
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Don’t be afraid to be in the driver’s seat of your own career path. Oftentimes, college grads don’t have the influence, sway, or (honestly) the connections to drive forward the career path they truly want to be on. Create relationships with great leaders and share your aspirations with them. They want to help young talent succeed.
What advice would you give to young women entering your profession?
Focus your energy on becoming an expert in your industry. Leaders appreciate talent that goes deep, not wide. Learn everything you can about competitors, your product, the core skill set needed for your area of expertise. Even if you’re not the best, your hard work will shine.
What are some challenges you’ve overcome? How would you recommend others navigate those challenges?
The hardest challenge I’ve faced is being a working mom! Balancing all the things — little kids, home life, and work — can be extremely taxing, so having a supportive, flexible workplace can make all the difference.
Words of wisdom or a quote that gets you up in the morning?
“Half the battle is just showing up.” Consistently showing up with a positive attitude has paid dividends in my life. The greatest artists, writers, executives show up even when they’re feeling uninspired. Do the work and the inspiration will come!
Holiday Newton | Content Writer
Tell us a little about yourself.
I spent the first 18 years of my life in a small Northern Nevada town before jumping across the country to attend school in Vermont, where I studied Professional Writing and dedicated my evenings to being holed up in a dorm room writing moody poetry. While I loved the fall foliage and cozy vibes, New England winters weren’t my jam, so I moved back home postgrad. After two years of figuring out what my next Big Step in life would be, I spread my wings once again and took flight to Austin, where I’m still finding my groove. In my free time, I enjoy spending too much money on Sunday coffee shop trips, reading too many books, and rewatching old sitcoms I’ve already seen too many times.
Why did you decide to work in this industry?
I like that it’s constantly changing so there’s always something new to learn. I get bored easily and thrive in environments that keep me on my toes, which this industry definitely does. You never know what the next day will bring!
What’s your favorite thing about working at GPO?
Being able to forge great relationships with my coworkers despite working in a remote environment and being separated by state lines. From local in-person luncheons to twice-weekly virtual coffee talks, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know all the amazing people who work here.
What is your “why?” in life and work?
To keep growing and learning, whether that’s through cross-training on a different team at work or trying out a new hobby in my personal life (even if I end up with a storage bin full of discarded craft supplies from failed attempts).
What steps do you take to ensure balance in your career, personal life, and passions?
It can be difficult to find the balance, especially working from home. I make sure to log off at a reasonable time unless I have an assignment that absolutely needs to be finished. I also don’t have my work email or any work-related apps except Slack (with notifications turned off) downloaded on my phone.
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Listen to your academic advisor when he says you catastrophize. You do, and you need to stop it. Learn to have faith in yourself and believe everything will work out in the end — because it does.
What advice would you give to young women entering your profession?
Know. Your. Worth. It’s easy for others to take advantage of your inexperience or self-doubts, especially when you’re in a more creative profession. I regret the time I spent in roles where I was underappreciated and under-compensated.
What are some challenges you’ve overcome? How would you recommend others navigate those challenges?
I had a big fear of getting “stuck” in a position I didn’t like and not knowing how to pivot into the role/industry I wanted. My biggest advice is to not be afraid of taking chances. Sometimes you need to do things like freelance work on the side to gain the right experience and make big personal moves like relocating to a new state with better opportunities.
Words of wisdom or a quote that gets you up in the morning?
In his memoir On Writing, Stephen King says, “The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that, things can only get better.” He’s referring to writing, but I think it can be applied to most things in life. A new project at work, a coffee date with a potential new friend, or a solo cross-country move.
Rachael Parrott | Vice President of Client Partnership
Tell us a little about yourself.
When asked where I am from, I struggle to answer. I am from a Grandfather who immigrated from Greece and as a young man shined shoes and called orange crates furniture. A Grandmother who grew up with means and paid no attention to glass ceilings. I am from a mother and father who worked hard and expected perfection. I am from the salt air of the Pacific, from fish hooks and mountain bikes. The oak floor of the basketball court, my sanctuary, my shelter from the storms of life is the mountain.
Why did you decide to work in this industry?
Simply put, the people. The digital marketing landscape is constantly changing, it takes a special and interesting person to want to continue to learn and attempt to keep pace with the innovations. Interacting with this incredibly driven group of people is nothing short of inspiring.
What’s your favorite thing about working at GPO?
Hands down the people. We can explore our ideas together in a fun and supportive environment.
What is your “why?” in life and work?
My why is consistent, my people, my health, and always a good laugh. For clarity, my people aren’t just my family, they are my chosen family, my colleagues, our clients, our partners, and boy do I love hearing about their successes both personally and professionally.
What steps do you take to ensure balance in your career, personal life, and passions?
From my perspective, balance is not something that is achieved, rather it’s balancing life/work at the moment. As a mother, I have straddled two soccer fields to attempt to watch two kids on two different fields. I don’t think I really saw either game, but the kids saw me, and at that moment, that was what was important.
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
- Slow down.
- Ask your grandmother for advice, listen when she gives it.
- Find a mentor.
What advice would you give to young women entering your profession?
Find a mentor and trust that when they give of themselves it is for purely selfless reasons.
What are some challenges you’ve overcome? How would you recommend others navigate those challenges?
There are micro setbacks that I experience every day, that is the nature of business development. Navigating the “NO” to me I translate to Next Opportunity. The work and natural world are full of beautiful people, places, and possibilities. I am always eager to meet my next challenge.
Words of wisdom or a quote that gets you up in the morning?
Never stop learning because in life that is the one thing that can never be taken from you.
Jill Poston | Director of Account Management
Tell us a little about yourself.
I live in the suburbs of Nashville with my fiance, Justin, and soon-to-be stepdaughter, Millie (I’m getting married in Mexico in three weeks!). I love going to concerts, cooking meals for my friends and family (I don’t follow recipes, so they joke I never cook the same thing twice), gardening, teaching/practicing yoga and lastly traveling the world and experiencing new places, people and things!
Why did you decide to work in this industry?
I fell into digital marketing as one of my first jobs fresh out of college. I decided to stay in this industry though because I love it. I honestly can say that I enjoy what I do on a daily basis. I love working with clients and products that help meet and exceed client KPIs, overcome business challenges, and expand their digital footprint.
What’s your favorite thing about working at GPO?
I can’t just pick one! 1) The People: GPO has some of the smartest, hardest working people at any organization I’ve ever worked. We all care tremendously about our clients and the work that we each do. We take pride in what we do. 2) Our Products: our products continue to grow and optimize our client’s presence online and meet consumers at the crucial ZMOT (zero moment of truth).
What is your “why?” in life and work
Challenge myself to grow to be the best version of myself. We’re here for a short time, so make the most of it all — the good, the great, the triumphs, the bad, the sad, the hard, the mistakes. Experience it all and learn and grow from it.
What steps do you take to ensure balance in your career, personal life, and passions?
My work/life balance was very much challenged during the height of the pandemic, considering I was working from home and also tending to my family. The two became so intertwined and there wasn’t a set break in between. I find it important to have a personal wind down for 15-30 minutes when switching from work to personal life or vice versa. Reset your nervous system and take a moment for yourself.
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Listen more. And secondly, when speaking, trust that your voice is of value and matters.
What advice would you give to young women entering your profession?
Make sure you enjoy what you do; it makes your work life much more rewarding. Also, if you are doing a great job, consistently going above and beyond, and can point to all the hard work you’ve accomplished — don’t be afraid to ask for a raise.
Marci Roney | Account Director
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in the Nashville area and went to school at Middle Tennessee State University. After college, I moved to Northern California to “live the dream.” Funny how life has other plans for you…
After five years I moved back home, fell in love with my husband, and began my career in digital marketing. Outside of work, you can find us at a concert, hanging with our pup, Jolene, or watching Bravo (my husband even bought me a Cameo from a “Bravoleb” for our wedding). I also love to cook and I’m always working on my green thumb!
Why did you decide to work in this industry?
Honestly, it was a “right place at the right time” story. While at MTSU, I majored in Textiles, Merchandising, and Design with a minor in Marketing. I have always had a passion for what influences purchasing decisions and my former career was in visual merchandising. My first opportunity in the digital space began with email marketing when I moved back to Nashville.
I was ready for a new challenge and luckily found just what I had been searching for…no pun intended. Instead of just influencing a purchase in a retail store, a whole new world of engagement opened up — whether that be through search, clicks, opens, shares, subscribes… you get the picture. I love that it’s an ever-changing landscape and the strategy and creativity we apply to help solve each client’s unique search needs!
What’s your favorite thing about working at GPO?
The people! Everyone at GPO is so smart with so much knowledge they are eager to share.
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Have an open mind and never settle. I thought my career path would look much different but have learned that my interests and skills can be applied in so many forms. You just have to think creatively!
What are some challenges you’ve overcome? How would you recommend others navigate those challenges?
I was very nervous about leaving my merchandising career to start in digital marketing because I knew nothing about it. But I was confident and I knew it was something I could do. Now I have learned multiple marketing platforms, softwares, and developed strong relationships with marketing groups of all shapes and sizes – including Fortune 500 companies. I’m so happy I stepped out of my comfort zone and I didn’t let a little intimidation get in the way.
Words of wisdom or a quote that gets you up in the morning?
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
The GPO team is always excited to work together to collaborate, hustle, and create incredible content technology that helps our partner brands meet their goals. But, we know that work-life balance is the key to excellent performance, employee happiness, and general quality of life.
Insights from Gabe Wateski, Senior SEO Analyst
Insights from Clayton Sheppard, VP Analytics and Insights