We're growing!
KPA recently welcomed its newest team member, Jessica Padilla Bowen. Ms. Padilla Bowen is a 22-year communication veteran with a background in government and nonprofit communication, and a love for the outdoors, running, yoga and books.
Tell us more about your background.
I got my start in theater communication, working for award-winning theater companies promoting projects with legends such as Billy Crystal, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Neil Simon and many other highly talented people. It was lots of fun for a recent college grad, while also allowing me to hone my project management skills, setting up hundreds of print, radio and television interviews and photo and video shoots.
From there, I moved into government communication for the City of Carlsbad and spent the next 15 years supporting various city departments including Community & Economic Development, Public Works, Library & Cultural Arts, and anywhere else I could lend a hand. My time there shaped me as a communication professional through experiences such as serving as a public information officer in the city’s Emergency Operations Center during the Poinsettia Fire, to partnering with colleagues and agencies on impactful coastal projects along historic Highway 101.
What are some of your most memorable projects and why?
I couldn’t choose just one (or even three!). I’ll always value the way the City of Carlsbad invests in its staff. I expanded my skills through life-changing learning experiences such as attending mediation training, earning my MPA, earning a certification in public participation and becoming a Certified Professional Coach to better guide my teams.
How do you like to spend your time when you’re not working?
I’m an avid reader, and audiobook and podcast listener, as well as a long-time swimmer, runner and yogi.
Favorites…
Podcasts: The Tim Ferris Show and Brené Brown’s Unlocking Us & Dare to Lead
Food: My Husband’s delicious and healthy cooking
Family activities: Reading aloud to my kids, camping and hiking
Fun fact about me: I’ve run the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and numerous half-marathons