Danielle Jacobs, executive director for Dubuque Main Street

Danielle Jacobs is a dynamic country music promoter and event planner based in Dubuque, Iowa. A married mother of three, she balances family life with her passion for music and community development. After a 15-year career in the newspaper industry, Jacobs transitioned to event planning, bringing her expertise in sales, advertising and leadership to her current role.

Known for her positive, passionate and progressive approach, Jacobs is often likened to Leslie Knope (from the television show, “Parks and Recreation”) for her enthusiasm and dedication to her work. She’s a lifelong learner with a scientific mindset, enjoying data analysis and meticulous planning. Her love for camping and music festivals often intersects with her professional life.

Originally from southern California, Jacobs moved to northwest Illinois during her middle school years. She’s lived in Dubuque for two years and is pursuing a college degree. Left-handed and always up for a challenge, she dreams of retiring as a snowbird, splitting her time between Dubuque and Victoria, Texas.

Tell us about your field and what attracted you to it.

I accidentally became a “Main Streeter” in 2011 when I hosted a music festival in my hometown. A part-time executive director position came open and the community encouraged me to apply, so I did and was hired. I learned about the “Four-Point Approach” to improving cities and I was hooked. They include elevating culture, saving historic places, community leadership and promoting our assets.

How has your field changed in the time you’ve worked in it? How have you adapted?

Fundraising is a real struggle right now. Dubuque has more than 600 nonprofits, all doing amazing work, so the competition is high. We’ve created some unconventional revenue streams like selling downtown Dubuque-themed merchandise and offering event planning services.

Is there a person or people who have had a tremendous impact on you?

If it weren’t for my mentors and family, I would not be leading a nonprofit in my favorite city. My first mentor was my priest growing up in Moreno Valley, Calif. Since then, I have tried to learn something from every person I meet. I love it when I learn new information and change my way of thinking. It makes life exciting and fortuitous.

Do you have any advice for young people and/or new graduates?

I wish I knew, at their age, how important it is to love where they live. I have spent too much time moving from job opportunity to job opportunity, chasing my career. My advice would be not to chase a job but to chase quality of life. You will be great no matter where you are if you’re positive, honest and work hard.

Is there a story or an anecdote that illustrates your philosophy either in life or in your chosen field?

Currently, my favorite quote is, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything,” by George Bernard Shaw. I didn’t move to Dubuque to change people’s minds or jump in and take over downtown development. I want people to be open to rethinking. Dubuque’s foundation is so strong that sometimes it can be a challenge to be a newcomer or start something new.

What have you found to be the most valuable resource for learning? Are you an on-the-job learner or do you prefer another way?

I like to learn in every way possible. Main Street America and Main Street Iowa do a great job offering training so we can stay focused but also be introduced to trends and data. I prefer one-on-one conversations to learn about other’s journeys and dreams.

Math vs. creativity. People person vs. introvert. Slow and steady vs. quick and nimble. Where do you fall on those divides? Do you believe there even is a divide?

I feel the divide within myself. I often joke, “I don’t math.” I’ve never been attracted to rules or logic. I thrive in chaos and fast-paced environments. I attribute that to genetics (I come from a family of artists) and my young career in the newspaper business (pre-internet news delivery). I am an outgoing introvert. I enjoy large events and talking to people but need naps to recoup.

When you think of the future, what kind of changes would you like to see in your field? In the broader world?

The not-for-profit world, overall, is run by underpaid but extremely passionate and hardworking people. I’d like to see the world support those people and understand that they also need benefits and fair pay. Main Street is a national brand, so we’re lucky to have the recognition. We have a large family of downtown revitalization experts and deep community support. Many not-for-profits don’t have that connection. Instead of saying, “I work for a not-for-profit so you know” when talking about employer support to saying, “I am valued and rewarded for it.” The world will be better for it.

How has your professional life helped you grow as a person?

I love traveling and meeting new people. I love living in a community where the majority love living here and working together to make it better. Helping change my town for the better has spilled into my personal life. Just like my city, I try to make myself better too via overall health, education, goals and mental/emotional care.

How do you strike a work/life balance?

I’m on the job 24/7 and it’s perfect for me. I work when determination or creativity hits. That could be at 10 p.m., 3 a.m. or noon. Days are for meetings, nights are for catching up and I’ll sleep when I’m dead. It gives me the flexibility of meeting small business owners when it works best for them and being a mom when school-time events happen.