Some things are just meant to be. Like Jodi Holzband relocating from New York City to Austin in 2003. What better city to combine her PR and communications career with side gigs as a Segway tour leader and a food blogger! Austin foodies may remember her blog, “Tasty Touring,” which was named Best Food Blog in the Austin Chronicle two years in a row.
After graduating from the University of Michigan in 2000, Jodi worked in PR at Random House and The New Yorker. After moving to Austin she worked in the UT Law Communications Department and then FleishmanHillard, a global PR agency where client work included leading the Austin launch of the first iPhone and the Chevy Volt at SXSW.
The last decade brought new jobs, new family members, and a new entrepreneurial venture.
“I left FleishmanHillard for communications leadership positions at SolarWinds, Bloomfire, and SpareFoot. I married Adam in 2011 and had two kids: Bess in 2014 and Juniper in 2017. In May 2018, I started Classic Bart PR + Communications to help companies cut through the noise and use storytelling to increase brand awareness.”
Jodi named the business in honor of her inspiring younger brother Jeffrey, who died of a sudden heart attack in 2016 at age 34. “Jeffrey loved a challenge and poured his heart, soul, and mind into his work, relationships, and many hobbies. He was fun, kind, and full of integrity. You can learn more about him here: https://jeffreypaulbart.com/about/.”
How did you first hear about Impact Austin and what prompted you to join?
I've known about Impact Austin for years, but didn't think about joining until not one, but two of my friends, Lisa Apfelberg, and Christina Gorczynski, became leaders of the organization. Christina invited me to participate in an informational happy hour for prospective members, and, feeling a deep sense of love and responsibility toward this city, I was moved to join.
How have you gotten involved in Impact Austin and what has your experience been like?
I volunteered to help with PR for Impact Austin before I even joined, and it has been my personal goal to help the group attract more young and diverse members. It's been such a pleasure to work with all of the super smart volunteers, staff members, and community partners to promote the great work that is being done to support Central Texans in need.
I studied history in school, and almost a decade after becoming a PR professional, I realized that history tells the stories of our past from the point of view of those in power. PR is similar in that way. There are so many stories that are not told and it's important to listen to and tell stories about those who do not hold the power to create a more fair world. Through Impact Austin, I have the pleasure to work with nonprofit organizations to share the stories of the people they serve with a wider audience.
Why would you recommend Impact Austin to other Central Texas women?
It's inspiring to be a part of a group of strong, talented, caring women who support each other and our community. It feels great to give back and to see what an organization is able to create thanks to Impact Austin grants. With all of the uncertainty in the world right now, it's more important than ever that we support each other. The more women who join Impact Austin, the more of a difference we can make. Knowing that I am a small part of that and have touched so many through the grant process makes me feel even more connected to this beautiful city.
