Meet Jane Dvorak, APR, Fellow PRSA | Public Relations/Communications Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jane Dvorak, APR, Fellow PRSA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jane, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Success is about delivering on your promises. My business has been built on word-of-mouth, which means people trust that I will provide reliable counsel, understand their business and how to reach those audiences with tools that produce positive outcomes. I also think you need to be true to yourself, your brand. I am a big personality and my brand reflects that — it’s colorful. It’s high energy, It speaks to the tagline — energy, creativity and impact.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career journey is really quite simple – I’m only 2 jobs in! I started out in PR for a national nonprofit. From there, I started my independent PR practice and have been doing that ever since – 35 years with a 13-stair commute that’s perfect! I have been fortunate to work with some really wonderful clients over that time on a variety of projects and campaigns. I’ve been lucky to do award-winning work for a plumber (yep, you read that right!), small local nonprofits, higher education, healthcare, engineering and financial organizations. I’d love to tell you the long list of Fortune 500/100 companies, but I’m a local, born, raised and stayed girl.

The spectrum is broad and the work is varied, which keeps me interested and always learning. One especially unique client was the first woman medical director for the Sochi Olympics! How cool is that!? I’m honored that I have been recognized for my achievements for the work I do and the career that I’ve had. I am a 2016 Hall of Fame inductee in the Colorado State University Department of Journalism and Mass Media; PRSA Colorado lifetime achievement recipient, and most recently had Colorado name the Jane Dvorak Mentor of the Year award after me. It doesn’t get any cooler than that!

One of the lessons I learned is to be available to others. When we elevate each other, we elevate the entire industry. I had some wonderful mentors and have invested a great deal in developing an internship as part of my business. I think it is important to invest in the next generation. The best legacy we can leave is not a long list of accomplishments, but a path for those who will follow. I hope in some small way, I have helped to pave that path for future generations of PR/Communicaitons pros. Interns 74 and 75 will walk through the door in another week. That’s a pretty dang cool milestone in my book.

I love what I do and not many can say that. There have, of course, been challenges. Losing a client or downturns in the economy impact company budgets. Navigating those changes can be difficult. I believe I have had longevity because I am open to the opportunity when it presents itself. I think I have lasted because I deliver value consistently that contributes to my clients’ bottomline. My work is also driven by honest, ethical communications principles, which I believe my clients respect and appreciate. I’ve learned to be clear in expectations, not to be afraid to try the unknown, not to be the “yes woman” at the table, but the “why woman,” and to carry myself with confidence, even if it really isn’t there. And, have a good handshake – it can say more about you in 10 seconds than most anything else can.

As for my brand, you get what you see. All in, high energy, creativity and plenty of laughter because when you laugh you learn. We are better problem solvers, critical thinkers and far more innovative when there is laughter in the process. Life is too short not to giggle.

I have been blessed to meet some amazing people — presidents, astronauts, authors and business owners. I’m grateful my talents have given me the opportunity to have such an amazing journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Denver/Colorado is amazing! I love playing host to “my” city! Here are some of my favorites for people coming from out of town.
Eating:
–Gaetano’s – good, north Denver Italian and a mafia history to boot!
–Beau Jo’s – mountain pizza pie – who else sells a pizza by the pound and has honey on their crust!? (Idaho Springs is the best location for the old mining town history, too)
–Flagstaff in Boulder – the views are spectacular
–Asian Market on Federal

Sights:
–Downtown – Union Station, D&F Tower, Brown Palace, DCPA (some of the best theater anywhere)
–Red Rocks – of course! Iconic in every way and if there’s a chance at a concert, even better!
–South Park historical city in Fairplay – a great snapshot of the gold rush, history and the mountains and it’s close by
–Government hot spots – Capitol, the Mint
–Larimer Square/LoDo – Coors Field, Ball Center, Mile High
–Coors Brewery – the short tour! HA! Nah, the full tour, it’s pretty cool
–Museums — we have many that are excellent – Nature & Science for our fossil collection, Art Museum, Molly Brown House, Modern Art, Shelby/Ford Museum, Children’s Museum
–Mountains/14ers! — Trail Ridge, Pikes Peak, Mount Blue Sky/Echo Lake, Lookout Mtn/Buffalo Bill’s Grave

Outdoors:
–Golden Gate Park and other open spaces
–Boulder’s Flatirons
–Botanic Gardens
–Denver Zoo and Cheyenne Mtn Zoo

Music:
–Dazzle – they do jazz right!
–Red Rocks – did I mention the best concert venue anywhere!?
–Hudson Gardens

We have so many choices! I know I left out plenty. Suffice it to say, I’m proud of where I grew up and the diverse cultures, foods, arts, sports and more we have to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shout out goes to my family, especially Ken, my husband for supporting me in a career that can be demanding of time, travel. My kids, too. They have always been proud of the work their mom does. Second, to PRSA and the connections/network I have been able to build across the U.S. This group has helped me grow, nurtured my leadership skills, kept me relevant/prepared and afforded me opportunities this “little girl from Lakewood” could never have imagined. As for mentors, Kyla Thompson – she’s the consummate mentor and champion who has always been in my corner with sage advice, insight and high fives since I was 19! She is a role model to be admired and aspire to in all things. And, finally, Mr. Tom Bright, my middle school counselor, who believed I could go to college; I could succeed and helped this first-gen graduate make that dream come true when others wouldn’t. I’m a very blessed lady.

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