Domenica Jarvis

I attribute my success to resilience, adaptability, and my ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. At 14, I underwent scoliosis surgery that required two titanium rods in my back, which significantly changed my life and ended my path as a competitive volleyball player despite being recruited to play at Dartmouth. I have also lived with chronic pain since then, and later experienced a serious head-on car accident, both of which have shaped my mindset and strengthened my determination to keep evolving personally and professionally. Over the years, I have remained committed to finding ways to improve my quality of life, learning through trial and error that persistence and self-awareness are essential, and that healing internally reflects externally. I also credit my father, whose entrepreneurial drive and relationship-building inspired me, along with the many mentors I’ve had throughout my career, for reinforcing the value of connection, growth, and service to others. Ultimately, my success is driven by my purpose to help people, build meaningful relationships, and leave others better than I found them.

The best career advice I’ve received comes from my father and mentors in PR and wellness, who have shaped how I approach my work and growth. My father taught me the importance of building genuine relationships and leading with integrity, while my mentors reinforced the value of authentic storytelling, listening closely, and staying true to my voice in client work. These lessons have shown me that success is built through trust, consistency, and meaningful connection.

I would tell young women to keep going and stay connected to what truly inspires them. There will be challenges, but don’t give up—your personal experiences can become your greatest strengths. I never would have imagined the level I’ve reached after undergoing back surgery at 14, and I am genuinely grateful and proud of that journey. I’ve learned that you can both heal yourself and help others through your work, and that maintaining a grateful heart and an open mind makes growth possible. Stay resilient, embrace your unique path, and focus on building strong, authentic relationships within your industry. Over the years, I’ve built meaningful connections with top-tier media locally and nationally, and those relationships have been invaluable. Most importantly, remember that success is even more meaningful when everyone around you wins too.

One of the biggest challenges in PR today is breaking through a crowded, fast-moving media landscape where attention is limited and constantly shifting. At the same time, it creates strong opportunities to use storytelling, digital platforms, and personal branding in more intentional and impactful ways to build meaningful connections and expand reach.

The values most important to me are authenticity, growth, purpose, and connection. I’m driven by a desire to help others, leave people better than I found them, and create meaningful connections that support both personal and professional success. I approach my work with a wellness and entrepreneurship mindset, and I’m especially passionate about Pilates, personal development, and supporting others through healing and transformation. After my scoliosis surgery and recovery from a serious car accident, I became deeply committed to my own wellness journey and am now pursuing my Pilates teacher certification with the goal of helping others, particularly those managing pain or similar challenges. I believe in leading with gratitude and an open mind, and I see my experiences as a way to inspire and support others in not giving up on their own journeys.