2008 Most Influential Women Honoree: Kristin Kubitschek

She didn’t end up in broadcast news, but Kubitschek still wants to make a difference. She is the first public relations director at Springfield-based Convoy of Hope, a nonprofit that responds to disasters and sponsors outreach and community programs, both domestically and internationally.

“I’ve tried to focus my energy on intentional planning, turning awareness from being response-driven into a more strategic, proactive plan,” Kubitschek says.

The Springfield native and Kickapoo High School graduate earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with minors in international relations and psychology from Evangel University, where she also earned a Master of Organizational Leadership.

Though she considered changing her major to communications, her adviser encouraged her to stay in behavioral sciences.

Kubitscheck, whose career experience includes the city of Springfield’s public information office and public relations for the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, had volunteered with Convoy of Hope for several years before going to work for the organization in 2005.

“I felt passionate about what they do. It’s what we’re all called to do: help others that are less fortunate,” Kubitschek says. “I love finding the win-win situations that help people.”

She had several great job offers to consider in addition to Convoy of Hope, so it was a tough decision, but her experience with the nonprofit led her there, and she started about two weeks before Hurricane Katrina.

“The timing couldn’t have been more perfect,” Kubitschek says. “I think it was God’s timing. … I want people to have the basic necessities, so it was a perfect fit for me.”

She even managed to combine Convoy of Hope with the thesis for her master’s degree in organizational leadership from Evangel. She was involved with implementing a pilot program, Nurturing Hope, in El Salvador in March 2007. The program educates children and their families on the importance of nutrition, personal hygiene and clean water to encourage better health and prevent disease.

Kubitschek sponsors two girls and has seen the impact of the program firsthand.

When she first met them, the oldest girl – by two years – was smaller and shorter than the younger girl. When Kubitschek saw them again, the older girl was taller. Height is one of the first things recovered through better nutrition.

“I like being able to introduce Convoy of Hope to the community I love so much,” Kubitschek says. “I think it was Springfield’s best-kept secret for a long time.”

Name an influential woman, living or dead, you’d like to meet. Why?

Jane Austen. She was considered controversial in her time but today is widely accepted. Her ideas transcend generations and continue to influence women’s thoughts.

What advice do you have for young women just getting started professionally?

Be teachable. Be a lifelong learner. Question thinking, not authority. Do the right thing. Learn from your mistakes, forgive yourself, and keep moving forward. Give back to your community. Help others to succeed and celebrate their successes.

As a young girl, what were your career aspirations?

I wanted to be a news anchor or a flight attendant. Both occupations still intrigue me.

What celebrity have others compared you to, or do you identify with?

I have been mistaken for Victoria Jackson of “Saturday Night Live” fame, though I'm not nearly talented enough to play the ukelele while doing handstands. The most flattering comparison is that I resemble Claire Forlani.

Tell us about your family.

I was raised in a single-parent household by a mother who devoted herself to my “turning out right.” I share my accomplishments with her and the other generous people who helped guide me.

Web Exclusive: What TV show most intrigues Kristin?

Answer: “The Amazing Race,” which she says she would love to compete on or host. Her status as a certified scuba diver could come in handy during competition. [[In-content Ad]]