The enthusiasm Jovan Van Drielle brings to supporting nonprofits is one of her many strengths. "I love helping people and I love solving their marketing problems! Even if I could retire and lay on a beach all day, I would still rather be doing what I do."
Jovan is the founder and CEO of Geminus, Inc. This professional event marketing organization provides proven results for nonprofits. It is well known for its high standards of service. In knowing what works from a design standpoint, Geminus, Inc. is able to guide a client's budget in the right direction, while at the same time ensuring that their event generates the greatest amount of excitement and results.
A graduate of Parson's School of Design in New York City, Jovan has more than 25 years of experience in the fields of printing, product design and event marketing. "My father, John Van Drielle, owned the printing company that created the first color newspaper in the U.S. My background in printing, which began at a very early age, gave me the experience necessary to design award-winning brochures for Fortune 500 companies. I spent eight years designing employee recognition awards and incentive programs for the O.C. Tanner Company. My first entry into marketing came while working for Bruce Toll of Toll Brothers."
"In Philadelphia I was a 'major domo' for a wealthy Main Line woman who owned a Real Estate development company as well as an Arabian horse farm. My first employer in Arizona was Mr. Edward Robson. Later I was hired as the Marketing and Creative Director for Mobil Land Communities. I spent six years marketing master planned communities around the country. In 1997 I founded Geminus, Inc., making use of my creativity and marketing experience to help others."
For a number of years, Jovan was very active in the Phoenix Symphony Auxiliary. At one point she spent a year planning and chairing the first Phoenix Symphony Designers' Showhouse while at the same time acting as the printing chair for the Phoenix Symphony Ball. Now however, she devotes most of her charitable time and giving to ThePowerofPlay.com. "I first met Rahla Kahn and Richard Rossner in 1995. Richard was a successful Hollywood writer (the t.v. show Full House) when he joined forces with his wife's life long mission to help others." The Power of Play is a dynamic, experiential, innovative and fun approach to overall health and well-being using Applied Improvisation. Their current focus is on helping to empower returning military and their families to deal with ongoing physical and emotional pain. Rahla and Richard's passion is to help our veterans recover their creative spirit and unlock new perspectives that will translate to a fulfilling, purpose-driven life.
Geminus, Inc. and Jovan Van Drielle will continue to support nonprofits and for-profit companies that do so much to improve the quality of life for those in need.
What are your volunteer activities? Formerly active in the Phoenix Symphony Auxillary. Currently supporting ThePowerofPlay.com
Which social event is your favorite? Scottsdale Culinary Festival: Trolley Dine Around Tour
Favorite Restaurant? Zinc Bistro
Who is your hero and why? Hellen Keller. In spite of her disabilities, she always remained positive. Although I am fortunate to have been born healthy, without any disabilities, I have always subscribed to her motto: Life is an Adventure or it is Nothing!
Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? Woody Allen. I once asked him to join us for dinner at home in N.J. when he was filming Stardust Memories. He politely declined, using the perfect excuse "He had to go play jazz that night at Michael's Pub in N.Y.C."
If your life were a movie, whom would you want to play your part? Tracy Ullman or Dame Edna (LOL)
What gives a woman/man style? Confidence with their use of color
Do you have any pets? No. But I once owned a beautiful strawberry blond Afghan dog named Queen of Sheba.
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner about you? She was creative and very organized.
What's the best lesson you've learned through the years? Never Say Never!
What words would you like others to use to describe you? Charismatic, creative, friendly & thoughtful
What was your first job? Working for my dad's printing company. He created the first color newspaper in the United States! Ever since, printing has been my speciality. It's what earned me my position at Mobil as the Creative Director/Marketing V.P. Every day I use the skills my dad taught me.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Wheel Spinning. Don't spin wheels, just tell it like it is!
What is your greatest indulgence? Regular Thai Massages by Winnie Cain, who teaches thai massage in Thailand.
What is the greatest gift you have ever given and received? Given: One year of my life while planning and chairing the first Phoenix Symphony Designers' Showhouse and Symphony Ball. (I was the printing chair for the Symphony Ball while also working as the Showhouse chair and also working full time at Mobil Corp.- talk about multi-tasking!) Received: The best year of my life while I planned the showhouse and met and worked with many volunteers, not to mention my favorite, Myra Richman, who worked tirelessly to give us the most P.R. the Symphony had ever seen!
What is your most treasured possession? My friendships are more precious than gold to me.
What is the quality you most like in people? Honesty
Favorite books/Writers? "The Geography of Bliss" by Eric Weiner. Any book by David Sedaris.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Stop and smell the roses. Life is so short, you have to make time to enjoy each day like it was your last.