Gabriela Dow and Steve Dow
Gabriela Dow is an entrepreneur and consultant based in San Diego who works with government agencies, global corporations, national firms and tech startups. Her specialty is modernization and innovation, helping public agencies implement emerging technologies. As a founding member of the e-Government firm GovPartner, Gabriela led business development and marketing efforts for twelve years helping to establish the company as an industry leader in the U.S. and U.A.E. She served as a partner and spokesperson for Plug and Play San Diego, an affiliate of the leading entrepreneur community of Plug and Play Technology Center, which is based in Silicon Valley and has raised more than $3.5 billion of investment for over 250 startups worldwide.
As the owner of Mora Dow Consulting she has worked on exciting projects for companies like Ardurra, Psomas, NV5, Atkins Global, Bureau Veritas, Cumming Corp. and cities and public agencies throughout California. Gabriela’s career began as a journalist, working at two CNN bureaus (Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles) and CBS in Los Angeles. Her political experience began at the White House Office of Public Liaison, followed by work on Press Advance for a presidential re-election campaign. She worked as an Intergovernmental Affairs Officer for Governor Pedro Rossello’s Washington, D.C. office and has extensive public affairs experience. Gabriela is a native of Guadalajara, Mexico and graduate from UCLA.
Gabriela has over 20 years of experience in public affairs, marketing and media relations, specializing in helping public agencies to modernize. Her work in creating and managing programs for the entrepreneur and startup communities allows her to facilitate next-generation teams, tools and technologies. She delivers solutions for public agencies, global and national corporations and technology companies.
In January 2014, Gabriela was listed as one of nine “People to Watch in 2014” by the San Diego Union Tribune business section. In March 2015, the UT again profiled Gabriela’s leadership in a business feature article titled “Connecting Tech and Government.”
Gabriela is a partner and spokesperson for Plug and Play San Diego, an affiliate of the leading entrepreneur community of Plug and Play Technology Center, which is based in Silicon Valley and has raised more than $3.5 billion of investment for over 250 startups worldwide. Gabriela interfaces with entrepreneurs and startups on a daily basis and was responsible for helping to significantly grow the organization. She manages communications, marketing and outreach for both Plug and Play San Diego (#PNPSD) bringing extensive media coverage, interface with government leaders and regional corporations and industry groups. Gabriela is also an advisor for multiple tech startups, and is a frequent speaker, moderator and media source for topics such as crowdfunding, venture capital, Gov2.0, social media and development of innovation culture.
Gabriela is a founding member of the e-Government software company GovPartner (a startup launched in San Diego in 2000, acquired by Cartegraph in 2013) as well as an online registration portal in 2007 (Friends With Class) and a digital media startup in 1999 (ConLimon).
Some of her recent projects through Mora Dow Consulting include development and implementation of a Communications Plan for the world’s largest biotech incubator operated as a public/private partnership by the City of Carlsbad, development and launch of a conservation mobile app for the City of Oceanside with transactional capabilities and creation of an Infrastructure Innovation Panel for Atkins Global. She has advised cities throughout the U.S. and abroad on modernization tactics and overseen more than 100 e-Government implementations. She served as a judge for San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders’ “San Diego Apps Challenge” in 2012 and has advised other elected officials on open gov, open data and tech/civic incubators.
Gabriela is well versed in the use of technology to maximize outreach and manage results-driven programs. Her current contracts with public and private agencies include development of communications strategy and programs, public outreach and engagement, message and collateral development, events management, media relations and incorporation of digital / social media technology.
Gabriela currently serves as a board member for the Valley Elementary Education Foundation, member of the Educational Technology Advisory Committee for Poway Unified School District (PUSD) and as a member of the San Diego City College Industry Advisory Board (School of Business and Accounting). She served on the board of Habitat for Humanity from 1999 to 2005, elected as both the board President and Vice President.
Steve Dow is an experienced program / project management professional with 20 years experience in planning, design, and construction.
Steve’s unique background includes experience working as a general contractor, civil designer, supplemental city staff,
project controls specialist, program/project manager, on-site construction manager, and trainer of internal staff.
He has earned the following licenses and credentials:
– PE: Professional Engineer (Civil)
– PMP: Project Management Professional
– CCM: Certified Construction Manager
– CEM: Certified Energy Manager
– LEED AP BD+C – LEED Accredited Professional (Building Design & Construction)
– REP: Renewable Energy Manager
– QSD: Qualified SWPPP Developer
– QSP: Qualified SWPPP Practitioner
– MBA: Masters of Business Administration
“We needed Steve to take an immediate leadership role as Construction Manager on several projects at San Diego High School. We expected much from him and he delivered. Steve is an excellent manager and leader. He is simply one of those rare people who will meet any challenge that comes his way, no matter how large. If you have a chance to bring him to your project or program, I strongly recommend you do it.”
Don Webb, Construction Management Supervisor, San Diego Unified School District
“Steve has a proven track record as one of the best project and program managers in the San Diego area”.
Roger Frauenfelder, P.E.
Former Deputy City Manager, City of San Diego
Steve brings over 20 years of experience in program and project management, overseeing planning, design and construction.
He has served as a general contractor, civil designer, supplemental public agency staff, project controls specialist, program/project manager, on-site construction manager, and trainer/auditor. Below are some of Steve’s leadership positions:
2012 to present San Diego Community College District (Program Controls)
2011-2012 – Southwestern Community College District (Program Management)
2009-2010 – San Diego Unified School District (Construction Manager via Harris & Assoc)
2007-2009 – Grossmont Union High School District (Area Program Manager via Harris & Assoc)
2005-2007 – Sweetwater Union High School District (Area Project Manager via Harris & Assoc)
2002-2005 – City of Poway Capital Improvements Program ($60+ M) – Project controls specialist and project manager on infrastructure projects (conceptual through construction) and civil designer on several water-line projects via Bureau Veritas.
2000-2002 – City of San Diego, MWWD – Engineer responsible for several detailed “Sewer/Water Group Jobs” planning reports via Bureau Veritas.
Also served City of Palm Springs, City of Solana Beach, Port of San Diego and SANDAG via Bureau Veritas.
1999-2000 – Project Engineer/Drafter specializing in grading and stormwater conveyance design via Hunsaker & Associates
1998-1999 – Sysco Food Services — $15+ M refrigerated food services warehouse design/build project (Project Engineer via Taylor Ball)
1997-1998 – Oceanside Unified School District / Stuart Mesa Elementary School (Project Engineer via Taylor Ball)
1995-1997 – Fairfax Adult Detention Center project via Blake Construction Co.
Steve was elected to serve on the Rancho Bernardo Community Planning Board in 2020. He also serves on the Audit Committee of the San Diego American Public Works Association (APWA) and has delivered presentations to CCFC and CMAA.
Featured Article: “Connecting Tech and Government”
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-qa-gabriela-dow-technology-government-2015feb23-htmlstory.html
San Diego Union Tribune, Business Section
Gabriela with sons Alec and Evan Dow