Jennifer Dobrowski

Jennifer L. Dobrowski is a selfmotivated, self-made woman who strives for success. But she won’t forget her Montana roots.

Age: 28

Position: Client Relations Coordinator, Altru Health Foundation

Family: Brent Rogers (significant other), Remington (black lab/chow)

Hobbies: Piano, photography, cooking

Community Involvement: A rural resident of Reynolds, N.D., I serve with Reynolds Community Betterment, an organization promoting local activities benefiting surrounding communities. I acted in and directed plays produced by the group in 2008 and 2009 and judge 4-H activities in Grand Forks County, including Project Expo, public speaking and fair exhibits.

I am a high school volleyball referee in the states of Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota and am an active member of the Valley Officials Association. I’m also an award-winning member of North Dakota Professional Communicators (NDPC) and served as its vice president of membership between 2004 and 2006. I also hold membership in the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW), Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals (GGFYP) and ‘l Bistro Wine Club. I have been a board member for North Dakota Young Professionals since 2008.

Career Path: In 1999, I graduated salutatorian of Wibaux County High School, Wibaux, Mont. Attending University of North Dakota, I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003. Post graduation, I worked for UND’s Office of University Relations, later joining the staff of Morgan Printing as a customer service representative. A year after graduating college, I accepted a position with Altru Health Foundation and continue my employment with the Foundation today.

Mentors: Jeri Dobrowski, Lamesteer Publishing and Rob Dobrowski, Dobrowski Cabinetry and Furniture. Not only is Jeri my mom, but she’s also a very successful self-made freelancer. Photography and magazines to books and Web design, she does it all. And, yes, Rob’s my dad. Built through sweat and blood over a 20-year time frame he has established a highly successful one-man cabinet business. His work is featured in four states; in personal homes and commercial businesses. And together they still have time to send me flowers for special occasions. Peter Johnson, UND Office of University Relations: Working next to Peter during my four years in college (and after graduation) taught me more than I ever learned from a textbook.

Briefly, tell us about yourself: I grew up on a farm in eastern Montana 27 miles south of Wibaux with my parents Rob and Jeri and one brother, Brian. I was a very active kid and was involved in everything: volleyball, choir, student government, 4-H, community benefits, and construction work with my dad. I joined Kappa Alpha Theta sorority shortly after I began my college career. Fighting Sioux hockey is the best! During my fours years at UND we always sat directly behind the penalty box for every game.

I enjoy spending time with family and take the opportunity to do so when time allows. I like a good movie and don’t mind watching TV (but please, skip the reality shows). I enjoy spending time with Brent whether it’s doing yard work, playing video games or taking a road trip. I have a small photography business, and I’ve picked up reading again after six years out of college! I’m a saver, not a spender. Roller coasters are awesome. Black is my favorite color. I’m a perfectionist. I hate shopping.

What motivates you?: As a selfsufficient go-getter, I enjoy working on my own. This independence allows me the flexibility to work on multiple tasks at once, achieving a competent level of achievement on all fronts. While I’m not an attention seeker, I do thrive on encouragement. A quick “great job” or “excellent work” drives me even further to accomplish goals and projects before me.

What challenges do you face as a young professional, particularly during difficult economic times? Making ends meet with high gas prices and increasing everyday expenses can be hard for any young professional starting out in his/her career. Even when you have a budget in place, unexpected expenses or an increase in expenses can have a significant impact on life.

What advice would you offer other young professionals? If you don’t find your dream job right out of college, don’t give up. The jobs you have along the way only make you a stronger, more qualified candidate for the job you are seeking. Things have a way of working out. You’ll see.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? Can anyone truly know or foresee what they’ll be doing in the future, especially in 10 years? I personally like to live in the moment. Enjoy the life you are living and set small attainable goals for the future. You’re more apt to succeed and feel better about yourself and where you’re at in life.