Bronx Profile: Gabrielle Pelicci, Finalist, “Grow Your Value Bonus Competition”

May 14, 2015 11:00 AM·

Bronx Profile: Gabrielle Pelicci, Finalist, “Grow Your Value Bonus Competition”

by Koi Germany

Dr. Gabrielle Pelicci

Continuing the Bronx Chronicle’s weekly Bronx Profile feature is Dr. Gabrielle Pelicci, holistic health coach and finalist of MSNBC’s Grow Your Value Bonus Competition.

The competition, which offers a $10,000 grand prize to the winner, is part of a nationwide effort to empower women, dubbed the ‘Know Your Value’ movement. Spearheaded by “Morning Joe” host Mika Brzezinski, contestants were encouraged to “know the fair market value of [their] work.”

Stumbling upon it via social media, Dr. Pelicci decided to stake her claim and enter.

Tasked with composing a 60-second video as to why she deserves a bonus she rose to the occasion, providing a telling narrative of her professorial pursuits, explaining that while employed by six distinguished universities, she still “makes less than the average American.”

After reviewing dozens of submissions, the Know Your Value team, along with Ms. Brzezinski, chose three contestants who explained with clarity and passion why they know their value and how they would use the prize towards expanding on their vision. Three finalists, two from Virginia, and Dr. Pelicci from the Bronx, will present live at the “Know Your Value” event in Washington, D.C. on Friday, May 15^th. The winner of the $10,000 grand prize will be announced at the event.

When asked what the competition represented to her, she posited, “It’s empowering women to advocate for themselves and ask for what they deserve. It’s women supporting each other.”

Dr. Gabrielle Pelicci (Screenshot)

The only other finalist not originating from the state of Virginia, Dr. Pelicci was also questioned on how her status as a Bronxite has uniquely prepared her to win the competition.

“I think what’s unique is the diversity of the people which make up the community,” she said, citing an advantage in “having been able to work with people from all walks of life.”

And with her cash winnings, Dr. Pelicci aspires to further her work and holistic practice by constructing “an online university that teaches affordable health and wellness classes to people that do not have the means.”

“I use everything I promote. I have a passion to share with others.”

Originally from Pennsylvania, Dr. Pelicci now resides in the Little Italy section of the Bronx, teaching at a number of local institutions of higher learning including the New York College of Health Professions and Georgian Court University.