Gisela Hood is another fine example of the great people we have in the Greensboro area. Gisela, originally from Germany, has lived and raised a family in the Greensboro area for decades. A few years ago, she retired from the Guilford County Schools as a German teacher and world language consultant. Gisela was instrumental in developing and teaching German classes via closed circuit TV, allowing students across the district to continue with their German studies. While she is technically retired, she is busier than ever these days. Volunteerism, philanthropy, staying fit, traveling, and freelancing as a translator fill her days with meaningful activities.
One of Gisela's passions is honoring veterans, especially those who live locally. She is Executive Director of the Board that oversees the Carolina Field of Honor at Triad Park. Between her husband, his family, and their two children (both West Point graduates), her family has contributed over 100 years of service to the U.S. military. In her spare time, Gisela loves traveling with her husband. This past year, they visited Bhutan and, ever the teacher, when Gisela heard school children singing, she went to the school to learn more about the education system and to find out ways she might help. Gisela feels so fortunate to be living the American dream that she spends as much time as possible being civically involved and giving back to the community. She also makes time for running, Pilates and yoga, and hiking. Her daughter, who is still in the U.S. military, recently took Gisela on a 12 hour hike. The above photo of Gisela, with a warm smile and surrounded by the great outdoors, captures her spirit beautifully.
When asked what she likes about Greensboro, here was her reply. "Greensboro has been very good to our family, the schools provided excellent education for our children, the community is very caring and giving and has wonderful organizations such as Rotary International, JDRF, Goodwill and United Way, all institutions we are involved in to make Greensboro a better place. Greensboro provides unique job opportunities with international companies such as Honda Jet. Overall, it is the right size place with many opportunities to raise a family, and NO traffic - most of the time."
Today is ABC Wednesday, and for our 2015 A-Z People Series, "G" is for Gisela.
Gisela in Bhutan-
Some people you meet in life will take a place in your heart wich never will be left again.... wonderful and powerful woman, youre entry is a kind of hommage to her.
Have a nice day
Melody (abc-w-team)
Posted by: ♫ Mel☺dy ♫ | Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 06:57 AM
what a wonderful lady...the world needs more like her!
Posted by: Tbreese823 | Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 08:22 AM
Such an interesting and GIFTED lady, I love her humility when she says that Greensboro has been so good to her and her family, it's obvious she is giving lots back by being involved with so many charitable and giving institutions. I'm surprised she hasn't been recommended for some sort of national award,
In the UK the Queen awards her people with certain honours, such as an OBE (Order of the British Empire), MBE and CBE. Then going up to being made a Dame or a Lord.
I'm sure the mighty USA must have award schemes for commending it's aspiring civilians, I know of the military awards but not of any civilian awards.
A most interesting piece about another worthy GREENSBORO resident !
Best wishes,
Di.
ABCW t eam.
Posted by: Diane Westwell | Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 09:11 AM
My compliments to this great lady, and thank you for this story...
Posted by: VP | Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 10:40 AM
Wonderful portrait, and she does sound very busy!
Posted by: William Kendall | Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 11:55 AM
Tolles Portrait, Gisela! :-) Sorry this had to be in German!
Posted by: cieldequimper | Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 04:55 PM
A GRAND citizen!
ROG, ABCW
Posted by: Roger Green | Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 01:56 AM
Seems like a lovely person.
Leslie
abcw team
Posted by: Leslie | Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 06:32 PM
Hallo Gisela! Ich freue mich dass es immer noch Deutschkurs in Amerika gibt. Schon in Toronto gibt es Deutsch nicht mehr weil die Schüler kein Interesse mehr haben.
Posted by: Halcyon | Friday, August 28, 2015 at 11:35 AM