“Just being at Kent State gave me the opportunity to say, okay, I can do whatever I want to do.”
Courtney Gumpf, ’07, found her passion at Kent State University, where she built lasting connections and gained valuable experience through leadership in Greek life and internships in both Pittsburgh and New York City. After graduating with a degree in Communication Studies, she returned to Pittsburgh, where her career was shaped by opportunities in film and commercial production.
From working on major feature films like “The Dark Knight Rises” to producing commercial projects for popular brands, Courtney has built her career on collaboration and a passion for using her work to give back to the community she calls home. In 2017, she and her producing partner Jennifer Schieper co-founded Flying Scooter Productions, a creative agency specializing in video production and marketing strategy. Through their nonprofit, The Amelia Project, she and her team are also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of filmmakers.
One of their most recent projects, “The Ocean, Five Years,” a short documentary about loss and healing, was officially selected for the Cleveland International Film Festival, marking an important step in Courtney’s continuing mission to use storytelling to inspire and make a difference. Get to know Courtney in her own words.
KSU: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
CG: I think perfect happiness can sometimes be hard to come by - it’s tough to have everything feel just right all the time. But for me, it’s about finding a sense of joy I can carry with me day to day and throughout the year, even in the little things - like that first sip of coffee. :)
KSU: What is your favorite trait in others?
CG: Reliability and a sense of humor.
KSU: What trait about yourself do you like least?
CG: I am a people pleaser.
KSU: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
CG: I’m grateful to have had many important influences in different parts of my life. My parents taught me the value of hard work and perseverance—they always encouraged me and showed me that anything is possible with dedication. My husband Nick has been my rock and constant support, and my producing partner Jenni challenges me to grow every day and inspires me to push beyond my limits.
KSU: What is your favorite Kent State memory?
CG: Nights with my friends. I was lucky enough to meet the most incredible women during my time at Kent. We still see each other often and talk pretty much every week.
KSU: What is your favorite journey?
CG: Two journeys come to mind as my favorites. The first was the summer I spent in NYC interning at a production company—it really solidified my passion for film production and sparked my desire to start my own business. The second was a trip to Ireland with my family and grandmother, where we visited the place her parents grew up.
KSU: What is your guilty pleasure?
CG: Dill-flavored anything.
KSU: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
CG: My greatest achievements are my two children, Cole and Campbell. I’m also incredibly proud of starting Flying Scooter Productions over eight years ago with my producing partner, Jenni Schlieper. Creating something from the ground up and having the chance to do work we truly believe in has been incredibly fulfilling.
KSU: If you could come back as one person, who would it be and why?
CG: If I could come back as one person, I’d probably choose myself. I’m still figuring things out, and I think there’s a lot more I can learn and experience.
KSU: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
CG: The part of college that shaped me the most was the opportunity Kent gave me to explore a variety of organizations and classes. It helped me discover what I liked, what didn’t suit me and pushed me to challenge myself in new ways.