Profiles of Tenacity: Gabrielle Kutsup

Gabrielle Kutsup is a fourth-year Journalism major with a minor in Spanish from Butler, New Jersey. Set to graduate in May 2026, Kutsup serves as executive producer for Grady Nightshift, senior production manager and capstone journalist for Grady Newsource and member of DiGamma Kappa.

Read her Q/A below.

Why did you choose your major?

When I was an incoming freshman, I originally chose journalism as a major because it combined all my favorite things: reading, writing, researching and, of course, talking to people. As I have progressed through my journalism classes and have published work in the field, I have realized that I want to be a journalist because I can help change people’s lives.

What does tenacity mean to you?

Tenacity means being able to persevere, but also pivot when necessary. In journalism, most of the time sources won’t get back to you and your story falls through. You need to be able to pivot to a new story, but stay committed to finding one. I believe life is the same: Sometimes things won’t work out, but you can always pivot. Take the skills you have learned and use them in a new way. Life is too short to be stuck in one place.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other Grady students?

One piece of advice I would give to other Grady students is to get involved. College is your time to try new things and see what you like. You should try radio journalism with WUGA, or try print journalism with The Red & Black, and you should definitely try video journalism with Grady Nightshift. If you end up not liking any of the things you try, then go try some more until you find something that sticks.

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life?

My family has had the biggest impact on my life. They have always told me to follow my passions, and they are always there to support me and cheer me on. My mom is a teacher, and growing up I watched her come home with a smile on her face and tell me stories of all the students she helped learn something new that day. Her passion for teaching helped lift my passion for journalism up, and I will be forever grateful.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

My biggest accomplishment in the past year has been becoming executive producer of Grady Nightshift. This past fall semester I was able to run an entertainment news show. I wrote funny anchor scripts, brought in a skeleton prop named Denise, reviewed reporters’ work and ran the technological side of the show. I am excited to continue that role this semester and can’t wait to see what fun shenanigans we get up to. It is so rewarding to see the show through from start to finish and see how much the reporters grow throughout the process.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

Now I can’t give you my favorite place because it will become too crowded, but my second favorite place is the Data Studio on the third floor of the Main Library. My journalism friend shared this place with me because it has computers with Adobe products installed on them and is available whenever the library is open. It’s a great resource if you can’t install Adobe on your computer or if you can’t afford it.

What advice would you give to your future self?

Advice I would give to my future self is to keep learning, keep opening your mind up to new ideas and keep meeting new people. Don’t get too comfortable in a routine, and always remember where you came from and the people who helped you along the way.

Editor: Anyi Morfaw, abm40431@uga.edu