#BGxONTHEJOB

Gabrielle Blayden - Design Thinking 

Gabby Blayden, a 20-year-old design guru from Pittsburgh PA is studying Interior Design.

As someone who is passionate about the environment and sustainable practices, Gabby is driven by how the creative process of design can give people a platform to live in a way that closes the loop between them and the planet they live on.

Currently serving as a Design Thinking intern with Kalu Yala, Brayden is able to put all her power to use in the Panamanian Jungle!

“When searching for a summer internship, I wanted to find opportunities that supported my passions for sustainability and creating social good while incorporating my background in design. 

By going through the BG Workshop and multiple mock interviews with Rachael, I was confident in securing my internship with the Design Thinking Team at Kalu Yala. I now know that great opportunities come to those who are confident and authentically themselves. I will always have BG to thank for helping me find value in my work and in myself.” Says Blayden.
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As an intern, Brayden is able to assist and implement new projects which will further help the town utilize the creative design process. 

“Some of my favorite projects include having designed a sustainable, non-electric laundry system and creating products for businesses and spaces within town.

I have learned that it is important to work with what you have - the river valley that Kalu Yala is located in is currently only accessible by three miles of dirt road. A huge focus of sustainability is to refuse procuring new materials, and rather to replenish materials that you already have to reduce carbon footprint. Most of the products I designed involved a lot of repurposing and digging around in the trash to make something beautiful out of what could be considered garbage. That just made the process all the more fun for me!”

Blayden is quickly changing the face of creative design in the industry - taking it to areas of the world we never imagined! Never underestimate the power or distance of a BG!

Written By: Epiphany Priebe 
Brand Girls Client + BG Blog Intern 
​www.linkedin.com/in/epiphanypriebe/