Katy Perry wrote a song, International Smile, about Elli Gentile. Katy’s been quoted in the media saying the song is about one of her best friends, but we are convinced it’s about our own Elli.
You see, Elli has a mega-watt smile that enters the room before the rest of her arrives. It’s a smile that starts at her mouth and radiates out through the corners of her eyes in a way that illuminates an entire space.
But the sincerity behind the smile is what makes her a star. She sees the best in others and life. She’s a glass “all the way full” kind of person. But it isn’t a lack of adversity that fuels her optimism, it is an optimism earned in adversity that makes her the real deal.
You see, in her early adulthood, Elli took up the shield and sword against a terrifying adversary: cancer. She beat it and it isn’t what defines her. Instead, the thing that defines her most is her reliability, professionalism, and desire to simply connect with and be good to people. It’s the reason she writes and works in social media.
The St. Louis native earned her degree in Journalism, Advertising, and Strategic Communications and a minor in Spanish from the University of Missouri, better known as Mizzou. After several years of living and working in Australia, she returned to Pensacola where she spent her childhood summers.
Outside of her work with Local Pulse and as the Social Media Team Manager for Red Iron Design, she is consumed by her wanderlust, her two doodles, and being good to herself and others.
We are beyond lucky to know her and work beside her and I feel like I won the lottery to have her as my newest friend.
Titles other than friend: Managing Editor, Local Pulse; Social Media Team Manager, Red Iron Design
Name one thing that dates you. The Backstreet Boys
Elli’s Favorite kind of music: Alternative Rock, Also, I love Fleetwood Mac
Favorite social media account: any food account
Place in the world you would love to go: Italy
What is an unrealized dream? To be a Game Show Host
Surf or skate? Surf
Favorite store in Pensacola: Sobo
Favorite food: Mac n Cheese
Who is the one person that means the most to you? My Mom
Are you always running late or just on time? A little bit early
How do you want to be known? as someone that was always kind to people
