Nichole Schmidt
President of the Gabby Petito Foundation
People always ask, "how do you do it?" My answer is always the same, "knowing our daughters legacy has left an impact that can save many lives, that's what drives me."
I'm a mom of four amazing children, though Gabby is not physically here with us, she continues to show us her presence through unmistakable signs. My husband Jim has been my rock that helps me keep it together! I'm an artist with a degree in Graphic Design, loved my time as an EMT, and have learned so much through working with kids with disabilities in public school as a teaching assistant. Going to the beach is like medicine for me, traveling makes me happy and I find joy in the little things.
Since my beautiful daughter Gabby was murdered, here I am, an advocate for change in the world of domestic violence and missing persons. This path, one I never would have wished for or imagined, is what keeps me going when I see that "little ol' me" can help make difference in the world.
My mission, my hope, is to be a voice for victims, survivors, and their families to create meaningful change that can save lives, and help find the missing, in Gabby's memory.
Be a good human, love more, do more, and give more.