Transforming Vision into experience

 
“My work builds ecosystems that move storytelling beyond observation—into feeling, reflection, and shared experiences. ”
— Gina Charbonnet, Founder of GeChar
 
 

GeChar is a cultural production and strategy firm working at the intersection of arts, entertainment and economic development. We partner with public, nonprofit, and private sector leaders to turn strong ideas into experiences that connect - thoughtfully designed, well executed, and built to reach beyond a single moment.

Our work sits at the intersection of storytelling and systems. We shape narratives, bring the right partners to the table, and manage complex initiatives from early concept through delivery. Recent projects include producing the multi-site Katrina 20th Anniversary Commemoration: We Are the Storm across New Orleans, designing the AfriCarnaval Small Business Cohort to support cultural entrepreneurs globally, and leading artistic direction for Prospect.5’s flagship gala.

MEET GINA

 
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Let’s consciously move the crowd

I’m Gina Charbonnet, Founder and Principal of GeChar. For more than two decades, I’ve partnered with institutions, brands, and creatives to design and deliver cultural experiences that resonate — work that connects with audiences, reflects identity, and drives real impact.

What I offer is both strategic and creative: I help shape ideas into fully realized projects, events, and platforms — aligning vision, partnerships, storytelling, and execution. 

Whether it’s producing large-scale cultural moments, film projects, building initiatives that advance equity, or advising leaders on how to position their work, I bring clarity, structure, and momentum to complex ambitions.

My work is grounded in a simple belief: culture moves people—and when shaped with intention, it moves communities, industries, and narratives forward.

My practice centers on leading and developing work with clarity and depth, bringing together creative direction, strategy, and cultural insight. I work across both vision and execution, bringing operational excellence to ensure every detail aligns within a larger, cohesive narrative.

Mindfulness and creative intellect inform every project I develop and lead, grounded in a belief that effective changemaking requires thinking beyond convention to drive meaningful impact. I partner with public, nonprofit, and corporate sectors to refine vision, clarify narrative, and amplify reach—consciously shaping ideas, messages, and public engagement to connect with audiences and drive lasting outcomes.

- GINA CHARBONNET

 
 
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FEEL THE Love

Testimonials

“I have had the great pleasure of working with GeChar to coordinate two high-profile Empowerment Experience panels at the ESSENCE Festival. Gina and the whole team are exceedingly professional, creative and passionate about what they do. I am so impressed at their ability to put together a top-notch program year after year. And while they are juggling many elements, they make you feel you are a priority. They are a delight to work with from start to   finish!”

Tina Hoff, Senior Vice President, Director, Health Communication & Media Partnerships, Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation

“Working with Gina and the GeChar team has been an absolute pleasure. Gina took the time to understand the uniqueness of our organization and to help us leverage it. She's thoughtful and responsive, and knowing we can count on her team has allowed us to keep our eye on our mission rather than dropping everything to produce a major event. Gina and GeChar make it easy.”

Nick Stillman, Executive Director, Prospect New Orleans

"We've been so fortunate to have Gina on our team as we plan the Watermark Changemakers Conference. Her wide network combined with her wit and wisdom have made our programming vastly more compelling and our messaging sharper and more meaningful. We've gone through a number of changes as an organization this year, and I've always felt that Gina is right there with us — taking pains to understand our goals while spurring us on to a bigger vision. Plus we just have fun working together!"

Peggy Northrop, CEO, Watermark Conferences for Women

"After each Essence Festival, it's guaranteed I've learned another level of what it means to have grace-under-pressure from Gina Charbonnet. Collaborating with her for years as the executive producer of daytime programming at EF, Gina's professionalism never waivers as she's producing a multi-tiered live show in real time that includes wrangling personalities from politics, Hollywood, or the C-Suite. At the core of her work, Gina's a storyteller, which makes her connection to Essence a perfect fit."

Cori Murray, Deputy Editor, ESSENCE