Jackie Vavroch is in-house counsel at Dairy Farmers of America and an active member of the legal community, graduating from both the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association’s Robert T. Roberts Trial Academy and Leadership Academy. Said Trina Le Riche, Ogletree Deakins: “She has the capability to see an assignment through, going above and beyond what is needed, always asking intelligent questions and narrowing the issues. Always eager to learn, Jackie volunteers for many assignments and then tackles them with zeal and professionalism. She is always willing to step into a difficult situation, help out a colleague, lend an ear and provide thoughtful advice, and she is asked to do so on a regular basis.”

Though she has only been in Our Town since 2013, Jackie instantly wanted to get involved and make her mark. She became a member of the Young Friends of the Kansas City Public Library due to her love of reading and also began volunteering for the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City. Shortly after, Jackie joined the Young Friends of Starlight Theatre. She was selected to lead the group’s event committee and was the co-chairman for After Hours at the Towers in 2016 and 2017, a fundraising event benefiting the Bob Rohlf Internship Program at Starlight. 

One of Jackie’s biggest strengths is using her creativity to make a significant impact on the organizations she is involved in. Said Andrew Lang, Starlight Theatre: “She believes in the power of collaboration and thinks that having groups team up together will make our community stronger.” An example of this, according to Andrew, was when she came up with an event to celebrate and promote Starlight Theatre’s summer production of Beauty and the Beast. Jackie recommended Young Friends of Starlight team up with the Young Friends of the Kansas City Public Library for a happy hour event called Belle’s Book Swap, a nod to Belle’s love of literature. Young professionals were encouraged to bring a beloved book to trade with the other bibliophiles in attendance. Leftover books were then donated to the library’s book sales fundraiser. Attendees also received a discount on tickets to the production of Beauty and the Beast.  

Jackie has the innate ability to make major improvements to programs and organizations. “Jackie has a strong desire to make an impact on the community,” said Andrew Lang. “Whenever she is fully invested in something, everyone else around feels her energy and wants to get involved and be a part of her team. Her enthusiasm is absolutely contagious, and she always lights up a room.” 

Jackie is also a Centurion, class of 2018, and was elected by her peers to serve on the Steering Committee. Said fellow Centurion Nicole Clifford: “Jackie leads by example, and is wholly committed to supporting causes and organizations she believes in. Her motivation to run for Centurions Steering Committee exemplifies Jackie’s service mentality. Instead of regaling our class with a laundry list of her strengths during her election speech, Jackie shared her desire to help the group accomplish collective goals. It’s her genuine passion, along with a witty sense of humor, that inspires everyone around her.”

Jackie’s love for Kansas City makes being a 2018 Rising Star especially meaningful to her: “I’m grateful to live and work in a city with so many opportunities to meet new friends, get involved and make a meaningful contribution. This community has been so welcoming to our family, and I’m happy to give back however I can. We truly love living here and look forward to many more years of calling Kansas City home.”

Also featured in June 23, 2018 issue of The Independent
Photo Credit: Tom Styrkowicz
By Ann Slegman