Member Spotlight

MEET PRSA AUSTIN CHAPTER MEMBER: IVAN DAVILA

NAME: Ivan Davila

CURRENT LIVELIHOOD: I am the Communications and Marketing Manager for El Buen Samaritano, a nonprofit committed to helping low-income families lead healthy, productive and secure lives through health, education and economic-stability services.

CHILDHOOD AMBITION: I wanted to be way too many things. First, I thought I wanted to be an actor, then, I realized I probably wouldn’t be able to pay my bills that way, so I thought I would be a veterinarian. Then, I thought I would just be a successful businessman who could afford to buy a deserted island that I would turn into a coveted tourist spot. I would develop and own hotels and hold events and conferences for big companies. What a grand life.

DRAW TO THE COMMUNICATIONS FIELD: After I did exactly what my career counselor told me to do, I realized she was on to something. The thrill I get just from the thought of influencing the masses is both scary and exhilarating. I have seen that thrill turned into something powerful when I use my skills and knowledge in a noble cause.

HOMETOWN: I was born in Monterrey, Mexico. I moved to Houston at the age of 15. Upon graduating from college, I took an internship at The Sallie Mae Fund in Reston, Virginia, after which I was hired as an employee. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I wanted to get back to Texas, so I moved to Austin in March 2006.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AS A COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL: There are truly too many to mention, but I’ll have to say that one of my top most memorable experiences was interviewing a client who voiced her heartfelt appreciation for the help they received at El Buen Samaritano. She went from being one of our food pantry clients, to one of our clinic patients, and one of our English students. To witness the resilience our clients possess as they overcome adversity is incredibly inspiring.

RECOMMENDED READS: I’m extremely practical when it comes to my reads, so I’ll read things I’ll find immediately useful. Instant gratification? Absolutely. So here are the first few that come to mind: Getting Things Done by David Allen; The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs; A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby K. Payne; The Soul of Money by Lynn Twist; and many others.

FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT AUSTIN AND FAVORITE AUSTIN RESTAURANTS: I love running around Lady Bird Lake. The beautiful people around it definitely keep me moving. One of these days, I’ll be one of them. I promise. As far as favorite places to visit, the Oasis Restaurant offers a must-see scenery at sunset. I like to go on Sunday evenings during the summer, when one of my favorite local bands—The Brew—makes its appearance to lighten up the atmosphere. Beautiful scenery and exquisite music, enough to get your feet going on the dance floor…What more can you ask for? Food! Like any authentic transplant Austinite, several months ago, I went through a vegetarian phase that lasted two weeks. I ended up exploring some great restaurants around town, and Bouldin Creek Cafe became my favorite.