Today we’d like to introduce you to Jo Oliver.
Jo, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey in public relations began 21 years ago, in 2005, when I started as an intern in the Public Affairs Department at the Virginia Department of Social Services. I had no idea at the time that the experience would shape not only my career but also my passion for public service, storytelling, and supporting women in leadership.
I was fortunate to begin my career surrounded by incredibly accomplished women with backgrounds in public relations, journalism, marketing, and government communications. They became my mentors, invested in my professional development, and helped me understand the power of strategic communications. I admired their confidence, creativity, and expertise. Looking back, I believe that’s where my passion for supporting women professionally began.
One of my earliest experiences in public affairs was during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Our agency established a hotline to assist individuals and families seeking services, and I volunteered to answer calls after hours and on weekends. It was my first opportunity to see how communications and public service intersect during a crisis, and it left a lasting impression on me.
In 2006, I became the agency’s youngest salaried employee at the time, serving as a Public Relations Practitioner. Over the next several years, I developed my skills in strategic communications, writing, media relations, and content development. I worked with program leaders in areas such as foster care, child support enforcement, and public assistance to help communicate important information to the communities they served.
Writing and storytelling quickly became some of my greatest passions. I developed an award-winning newsletter for the agency’s foster care program, created digital content, and produced communications materials that helped make complex information more accessible. I also became actively involved with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and pursued freelance writing opportunities, including a column for The Fort Lee Traveler, a military publication.
After nearly a decade in government communications, I decided to pursue another calling and joined the Air National Guard, where I served as a medic in aeromedical evacuation and medical readiness. My military experience also included supporting a special drug task force addressing the heroin epidemic in Richmond. Although it was a departure from public relations, it strengthened my appreciation for service, leadership, and the importance of community.
I later joined the Virginia State Police, where I managed public relations for two statewide crime prevention programs, Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) and Stomp Out Fraud. In that role, I developed public awareness campaigns designed to educate Virginians and encourage behavioral change. I introduced new outreach strategies, including digital campaigns, billboards, movie theater advertising, and community engagement initiatives. My work earned public relations recognition, and during this time, I achieved my Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).
Throughout my career, I developed a deep appreciation for the role communications plays in helping organizations fulfill their missions. I also recognized that many nonprofit organizations were doing extraordinary work without the resources or strategic communications support needed to tell their stories effectively.
At the same time, my experiences as a working mother helped me understand the challenges women face while balancing their careers, families, and personal aspirations. I often reflected on the remarkable women who had mentored me and the opportunities that could be created when women support one another.
In 2020, I decided to bring those experiences together and launch Jo Explains It All – JEA Communications, a public relations consultancy focused on helping women entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and mission-driven leaders increase their visibility and communicate their value.
I wanted to create a business rooted in the principles that had guided my career: integrity, compassion, service, and meaningful storytelling.
Since launching JEA, I’ve had the opportunity to work with entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders throughout the Richmond region. My work has included developing strategic communications plans, securing media opportunities, supporting community initiatives, and helping organizations connect their stories to the audiences they serve.
I’ve worked with organizations such as Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Repertory Theatre and Culture Encounters, helping bring greater awareness to their programs and community impact. I’ve also had opportunities to share my expertise through media appearances, speaking engagements, and collaborations with other business and community leaders.
In 2025, I was honored to be recognized as one of Virginia’s inaugural 100 Women of Color, a meaningful milestone that reinforced my passion for celebrating and supporting accomplished women.
Today, I’m focused on growing JEA Communications into a boutique public relations agency specializing in strategic communications and executive visibility for women entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders.
When I reflect on my journey, I realize that the common thread has always been service, storytelling, and helping others recognize the value of their work.
I believe every business and organization has a story worth telling. When that story is communicated effectively, it has the power to build trust, inspire action, and create meaningful connections. That’s the philosophy behind JEA Communications and the work I’m continuing to build.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through entrepreneurship is that being good at your profession and knowing how to run a successful business are two very different things.
I entered entrepreneurship with years of experience in strategic public relations, but I quickly realized that having the expertise to serve clients didn’t necessarily mean I had all the skills needed to build and grow a business. I’ve had to learn how to be both the public relations professional and the business owner, often at the same time.
One of my greatest challenges has been finding the balance between serving my clients and working on the growth of my own business. When you’re passionate about helping others succeed, it’s easy to put their needs ahead of your own business development. I’ve had to become more intentional about treating JEA Communications as a business that needs the same strategic attention I give my clients.
Another challenge has been navigating imposter syndrome. Even with more than two decades of professional experience, an APR credential, and accomplishments I’m proud of, there have been moments when I’ve questioned whether I’m doing enough or whether I’ve truly reached the level of success I envisioned for myself.
Entrepreneurship has a way of making you confront your own expectations, insecurities, and definitions of success. I’ve learned that sometimes the biggest obstacle isn’t a lack of opportunity or ability, but recognizing the value of what you already bring to the table.
I’m still learning and growing, but I’m beginning to understand that building a successful business isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about being willing to evolve, invest in yourself, and apply the same confidence and strategic thinking to your own business that you bring to the people you serve.
One of the most important lessons entrepreneurship has taught me is that I have to believe in the value of my own work just as much as I believe in the value of my clients’ work.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jo Explains It All – JEA Communications LLC?
Jo Explains It All – JEA Communications is a Richmond-based public relations consultancy specializing in strategic communications, media relations, and executive visibility for women entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and mission-driven leaders.
I started JEA with the belief that every business and organization has a story worth telling, but not everyone knows how to identify that story, communicate its value, or get it in front of the right audience.
I help my clients do just that.
My work includes developing public relations strategies, securing media opportunities, crafting compelling messages, building thought leadership platforms, providing media training, and helping organizations and their leaders establish credibility and meaningful relationships within their communities.
What sets JEA apart is my approach to public relations. I believe PR should be an essential part of an organization’s overall business strategy, not something you think about only when you have an event to promote or want to be featured in the media.
With more than 20 years of experience in public relations and strategic communications, including my work with the Virginia Department of Social Services and Virginia State Police, I bring a unique perspective to helping organizations communicate effectively. My background in public service taught me that communications can do much more than generate publicity. It can educate communities, influence behavior, build trust, and inspire action.
I’m also an Accredited Public Relations professional (APR), which reflects my commitment to strategic, ethical, and results-driven public relations.
One of the things I’m particularly passionate about is working with women entrepreneurs. Throughout my career, I’ve been surrounded by accomplished women who helped shape my professional journey. I understand the challenges women face while building careers, raising families, and pursuing their entrepreneurial goals.
I want JEA to be a resource for women who have built something meaningful and deserve to be recognized for their work. Whether they’re launching a business, expanding their influence, or leading an established organization, I want to help them understand how strategic public relations can support their growth.
I’m equally passionate about working with nonprofit organizations. Having spent much of my career in public service, I understand the importance of communicating a mission effectively. Nonprofits are often doing extraordinary work with limited resources, and I enjoy helping them tell stories that connect with supporters, strengthen community relationships, and bring greater awareness to their impact.
I’ve had the opportunity to support organizations such as Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Repertory Theatre, Keep Virginia Beautiful, and Culture Encounters, helping bring visibility to their programs, initiatives, and community contributions.
Another part of my brand that I’m especially proud of is PR Power with Jo, my radio show that aired on ESPN Richmond. Creating and hosting the show gave me an opportunity to share my expertise while providing a platform for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and community changemakers to tell their stories.
It also reflects something that’s important to me: I don’t just want to help people secure publicity. I want to create opportunities for meaningful conversations and connections.
As JEA continues to grow, I’m developing my PR-Minded Founder approach, which is designed to help women entrepreneurs think strategically about their public relations efforts and understand how visibility, credibility, and relationships contribute to long-term business success.
My vision is to build JEA Communications into a boutique public relations agency recognized for helping women entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders become more visible, influential, and connected to the communities they serve.
What I want people to know about JEA is that we don’t believe public relations is simply about getting your name in the news. It’s about helping people understand who you are, why your work matters, and what makes your story worth telling.
I believe storytelling is at the heart of effective public relations. When people connect with your story, they begin to understand your value. And when they understand your value, you create opportunities to build trust, strengthen relationships, and make a lasting impact.
That’s what I want JEA Communications to be known for.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
First and foremost, my relationship with God, whom I call Yahuah, is the foundation of everything I do. My faith keeps me grounded, especially during moments of uncertainty or when I begin to question myself and my abilities. Entrepreneurship can be challenging, and it’s easy to become discouraged or overly critical of yourself. My spiritual connection reminds me to trust the process, remain faithful, and remember that my journey has a greater purpose. Before making major decisions or taking on new opportunities, I always turn to prayer for guidance.
I also believe resilience and a little fearlessness are essential to success. You have to be willing to take chances, step outside your comfort zone, and pursue opportunities even when you don’t have everything figured out. You can’t become so concerned about what other people think that you allow their opinions, or even your own insecurities, to prevent you from moving forward.
Success also requires discipline, hard work, and a willingness to keep learning. There will be early mornings, late nights, setbacks, and moments when things don’t go as planned. You have to be willing to keep showing up, remain curious, and continue developing your skills.
One thing I’ve learned is that courage isn’t necessarily the absence of fear. Sometimes it’s having the faith to move forward even when you’re afraid.
Ultimately, I believe my faith gives me direction, resilience helps me persevere, and curiosity keeps me growing. Those are the qualities I continue to rely on as I build my business and pursue the opportunities ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joexplains.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joexplains_pr/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063759471352
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joron-oliver-apr-b39267140/?isSelfProfile=true
Image Credits
Additional Photos:
Photo #1 photo of me in a cream top and blue pants: Saraellen Bagby with JBella Photography.
Photos #2-5 ( me with my laptop and reading book): Amy Garelick with Power Up Productions.
