Jamie Lober Named Woman of Influence of the Year

If you have resided in the Sunshine State for the last three years, you have probably been affected in some way by the work of Jamie Lober.  She is smart, she is successful and she is taking over South Florida.  Though she is accomplished, she is the last to boast and makes an introduction for herself that sounds much like someone’s first day of school.  “I was born in Ohio, my favorite color is orange and I love animals,” said Lober.  Lober comes across down-to-earth, carefree and casual to the point that we wonder if she missed the memo about the influence she has had.  “When I was twenty-one running for mayor I would walk into a room and wonder if I was well-received but now I walk into a room and wonder if the people are good for me and whether or not I like them so the tables have turned,” said Lober.  Unsure as to whether she has dipped her feet in animal welfare, Lober raises her pom-poms.  “About ten years ago I was the special events coordinator for the Humane Society and it just goes to show that I believe in protecting all life, furry friends included, and treat everyone as the same and wow was that fun,” said Lober.  

For this sharp but reserved gal, succeeding in business and life seems to have come without really trying.  “You should never have to put too much effort into something or it is not meant to be but I can tell you that making a difference makes you feel good and while I have heard that money cannot buy happiness, I would not mind someone handing me a million and letting me learn that lesson myself,” said Lober.  Lober’s strong influence became apparent during her college years when she presided over a Latino cultural center for three years and governed residence halls.  “I never did anything for the applause but I realized I possessed qualities of an effective leader and had ideas and supporters so it was only logical to run with things and see what happened,” said Lober.  Once she got involved with political bodies, she became outspoken for what she refers to as doing the right thing and had a positive vision for the community.  “I cannot solve the world’s problems but I can certainly offer up my take on an issue or two,” said Lober.  

When asked about current news that has caught her attention, she told that it was natural to cling to the gun issue that is so relevant to Florida.  “I am pro-gun but think that instead of just claiming that we are in a racist society, liberals in particular should ask themselves why there generally speaking seems to be a fear of black males such as in the Martin case and the answer could be that a disproportionate number of them have committed crimes,” said Lober, adding that she hopes her sentiments on health and safety reach the minority populations.  As for her opinion on the verdict, Lober states a fact and sees a prime chance for herself to make another political case.  “Zimmerman survived but we should talk about how the Democrats in particular are unwilling to admit that almost all of the recent murders have been committed by crazy people and the fear of stigmatizing mental illness is detrimental to our country,” said Lober.  Testing to see if these are just words or if she can back up her claims, she has a retort to it all.  “Al Franken to name one; he is afraid to stigmatize and that is serious,” said Lober. 

Lober has built a positive relationship with the press over the years which has increased her visibility and respectability in the community and has a business website priding herself on her around-the-clock availability.  “The only time I do not get the phone is if I am in the shower, sleeping or my nail polish is drying,” said Lober.  Serving as the Public Relations Chairman for the American Cancer Society – South Palm Beach Chapter and Public Relations Chairman for the March of Dimes – Palm Beach Division, she has maintained open dialogue with local outlets for at least two years about pressing health issues and encouraged community members to join in her efforts to fundraise and heighten awareness.  Admitting that the two organizations have missions with nothing in common, Lober does not take a side but rather personalizes some work.  “I am neutral on the organizations and honored to speak for both but I know that I have become a leading advocate for rare disease on behalf of my courageous and amazing dad and that has become one of my purposes in life,” said Lober.  

She has been supporting rare cancer initiatives and even headlining some of her own with the help of friends in suits on Capitol Hill and has made all of this impact for free.  “Some of the best things in life are free like being able to give back like this as I have been able to be a voice for my dad but the other best things are pretty expensive so you have to work,” said Lober.  By profession, she works in health communications as President of Talk Health with Jamie, Inc.  Preaching the importance of healthy lifestyle choices is an underlying theme to her writing that appears in over forty states and she practices most of what she instructs.  “I believe in everything in moderation but did not go to a gym today so that makes three years in a row,” laughed Lober.  While you may be under the impression that she would appear on every social network and have a fan club, the opposite is true.  “I do not know anything about that and it is amazing how far you can come with typing and talking on the telephone; things were easier when blackberries and apples were just fruits and I am not caught up in those trends,” said Lober.  

Though she is pleased with the messaging she has gotten out about herself personally as well as the causes that are near and dear to her, she acknowledges that she has had more than her fair share of letdowns, heartbreaks and jealous people who have tried to tear down her course forward.  “You have to tread forward and try not to hold grudges; just keep those memories and let them better prepare you for when you may encounter those people next,” said Lober.  People have walked in and out of her life as she has meddled with various ambitions but she does not seem to care.  “When I think about it, I have never really lost a friend, I have just learned who the real ones are,” said Lober.  The loyalty and commitment she puts toward her professional relationships are the same in her personal life.  “One of my girls lived in the same residence hall a decade ago and we still talk all the time and one of my boys goes back twenty years with me and he is pretty special to me,” said Lober.    

As for her personal life, it is undeniable that Lober’s parents and best friends are most important to her.  She does not comment on a lucky male in her life so the mystery remains.  “I think girls should know that you cannot rely on a prince and you have to save yourself sometimes,” said Lober.  You may not envision her in the limelight when she does not have to be but she does not seem to be bothered by it either.  “I would prefer clubbing to a candlelit dinner because I like the energy and positive vibe on occasion,” said Lober.  As for what she last played on her iPod, she is quick to name the Trials & Tribulations CD by Deerfield Beach’s own, rapper Ace Hood.  “I love him and the way he tells his narrative; it is the realest music out there,” said Lober.  She tells that her collection is extremely diverse and contains thousands of songs.  “I like songs that are relatable and speak the truth or things I can dance to but do not like anything sad,” said Lober.  

As for the future, Lober tells that she wants to maintain her status as a leading voice on wellness issues and hopes to secure a seat in the U.S. Senate at an early age.  “I believe I was born with the ability to change people’s lives and I do not want to waste it,” said Lober.  Lober describes her life as a “rollercoaster” since relocating to South Florida but she tells that she would not change anything.  “I have a lot of oh wells but I do not have any what ifs and that is how I choose to live my life,” said Lober.  With her pleasant yet assertive disposition ad big dreams, it is safe to say that Lober’s influence is here to stay.  “I am proud of my background, my upbringing, my college and the experiences and people that have helped mold me but I hope through my actions that I am empowering others to take charge of their health and their life so they too can help create a better and safer community,” said Lober.  In the eyes of the onlookers, it is so far a job very well done.