by Cat Carlson
Gennifer Biggs humbly serves her community in many ways, but one of her finest is in her daily interactions. The words that she chooses to live by are “give the benefit of the doubt,” and she practices that effort on many levels as she lives, works and plays in the Erie area.
When asked what it means to give the benefit of the doubt, Biggs explained, “If a person accidentally runs a red light or cuts you off in traffic, forgive them instead of letting anger rage through you. You don’t know what is going on in their life that they might have been concentrating on – maybe their child was very ill in the back seat and they were on the way to the hospital; maybe they just suffered a loss in their family; maybe they are being laid-off and aren’t thinking as clearly as usual. Whatever the reason, give them the benefit of the doubt that there IS a reason.”
The words in this phrase capture many aspects of Biggs’ unique and loving personality. She is understanding, kind and eternally optimistic. Biggs shoots for the stars and helps others – whether they are clients, coworkers, friends, strangers, students or fellow volunteers – to do the same at every turn of every road.
The compassion and optimism that Biggs offers everyone she interacts with spreads to excellence in her work, both professionally and as a volunteer. Currently, Biggs acts as an account executive for Tungsten Creative Group where she offers her expertise as a copywriter and editor to clients in many industries, particularly in higher education. She also works endlessly to build positive relationships with new and potential clients. Previously, she gained renown and experience as the director of public relations and publications for Mercyhurst College and as an editorial assistant and freelance writer for the Erie Times-News. She continues to write on a freelance basis in the fields of travel and home improvement, and she also currently teaches as an adjunct at the college level.
As equally impressive as her professional accomplishments is Biggs’ demonstrated commitment to service as a volunteer throughout the Erie community. Biggs currently serves as chairman for the Erie Ambassadors’ Professional Recruitment/Retention Committee and is a member of the Erie Ambassador steering committee. Needless to say, she spreads her love of Erie by serving as an Erie Ambassador, an activity she began in 2004 and continues today. Biggs also serves on the board of directors for the Erie Arts Opportunity Local Education Fund, and she is the past president of the Erie County Big Brother/Big Sister advisory committee. Other organizations and committees that have previously benefited from her talents include: Family Services of Northwest Pennsylvania, Erie County United Way “Week of Thanks” Committee, CelebrateErie Steering Committee, and the Young Erie Professionals (yep!) Steering Committee.
Although not originally from Erie, Biggs is dedicated to the city and its growth. She often offers testimonials about the wonderful aspects of living in Erie, and she describes it as a place that has a magical mixture of big city offerings with small-town kindness and friendliness. Biggs believes strongly in the importance of kindness, and is known by many as someone who understands and lives up to the true meaning of friendship.
By nature, Biggs is a teacher and a friend to all whom she meets. From her, we can all learn to be more compassionate and be reminded that kind-hearted behavior can pave the road to achieving our dreams.
