2013 Most Influential Women Honoree: Megan Nichols Rowe

Megan Nichols Rowe’s most gratifying professional accomplishments aren’t hers. They belong to her clients. The owner of Megan Nichols Rowe Public Relations doesn’t consider personal awards or accolades as important as building rapport with clients and helping them achieve their goals.

“My proudest moments are threefold – helping clients articulate who they are and connect with those they serve, providing support to clients through challenging times and forging lasting relationships,” Rowe says.

She began her business in 1993 while still in college, doing freelance writing and graphic design for Mercy.

“I built a business overtime and grew from creating newsletters and annual reports to offering strategic counsel and more comprehensive public relations services to a diverse clientele,” she says.

Rowe’s clients include Jordan Valley Community Health Center, a national insurance brokerage firm and Mercy Arthritis Center. Her work has been as diverse as creating a strategic development plan for the nonprofit Association for the Preservation of the Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C.; coordinating public relations and education outreach in southwest Missouri for the Coalition for a Healthy and Active America; and assisting in a capital campaign for Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation.

Rowe credits some of her success to people who shared their knowledge with her.

 “I learn from generous mentors, so I try to mentor other people. I think the most profound ability to help others succeed stems from not only mentoring but also merging the personal with the professional. My work influences my volunteer endeavors and vice versa,” she says.

It was no small leap of faith to start a small business, especially at a young age. Assuming leadership requires an honest assessment of strengths and skills, an investment in time and a clear understanding of how clients will benefit from your services, Rowe says.

“Leadership isn’t always about taking center stage. It is also helping put other deserving people in the spotlight,” she says. “Leadership isn’t always about creating the message as much as it is listening to people, engaging in a dialogue and letting the experiences of your audience help determine the appropriate response.”

Rowe believes her community outreach experiences with Jordan Valley Community Health Center positively influence her volunteer roles at her church, where she emphasizes existing and emerging needs, such as a lack of transportation and managing chronic conditions amid poverty.

“I’m committed to creating opportunities for healthy, secure families and thriving businesses,” she says. “The common thread is my commitment to each group and how it enriches lives and provides opportunities.”