She has a rewarding job, a happy marriage, is very much involved in the community, and wants to add motherhood to the equation in the near future. Jennifer Olinger Daurio is doing her best to live a well-balanced life and seems to be succeeding.
Jennifer and her equally busy husband, Adam Daurio, are among the most dedicated and involved Young Professionals on the Colorado nonprofit scene attending many events; and both love their horses, dogs, cats and livin' the “western life” in Parker. Jennifer has actively been involved through the years with the SaddleUp! Foundation, Volunteers of America, and Janet Elway’s “Janet’s Camp” benefiting the YMCA… And - as cute and good-looking as this couple is, I expect when that baby comes along, she/he will be just as adorable!
Jennifer was born in Colorado Springs while her father, Dale, who was in the Air Force, was teaching at the Air Force Academy. The family then moved on from there to: Tucson, AZ, Springfield, VA, Albuquerque, NM – and then moved back to Colorado and settled in Evergreen.
During and after college, Jennifer’s work experience has varied from being an intern with the National Western Stock Show and the SaddleUp! Foundation, to being a Public Relations Associate/Server with CB & Potts Restaurant, to being promoted several times to various business relationship positions with her present employer CoBank ACB.
Jennifer is a true professional and presents herself with the poise and grace of a beauty queen (with her love of horses – more like a Rodeo Beauty Queen), but she’s consistently warm, approachable and very down to earth. With her mellow personality, Jennifer is “easy on the eyes pretty”, feminine, and always flawlessly dressed. No wonder her husband Adam recently sent her this sweet birthday message: “You’re as beautiful today as the first time I met you!” And as all that know Jennifer Olinger Daurio can attest, her beauty shines from both inside and out.
What words best describe your life right now? I would describe it as chaotic, yet blissful. My husband Adam and I are surrounded by amazing family and friends and have the opportunity to be involved in so many social and community events that we rarely spend an evening at home.
As an important member of the Young Professional Philanthropic community, how do you think we can keep attracting younger people so they become involved in volunteering and giving? It’s all about starting at a young age. By showing children the importance, reward and value of giving back to the community and helping those in need at a young age, it instills it in them for a lifetime. I also find that most of the YPs have parents who are also involved, so also leading by example is key. We’ve also attracted YPs to events by having a YP ticket price and expressing how much fun can be had at the events, which benefit a good cause.
Tell us about the charitable organizations you are (or have been) involved with? The SaddleUp! Foundation is very near and dear to my heart. I was the first collegiate intern in 2006 and have been a volunteer and BOD member ever since.
The next organization I have spent the majority of my volunteer time with is Volunteers of America. I have been on the steering committee, as well as co-chairing the YP committee for Western Fantasy for 7 years. I have also sat on the committee for other events that benefit VOA, including Red Wine and Seafood and Single in the City.
Is there a non-profit event you really look forward to attending each year? Hands down it’s Western Fantasy. I love the atmosphere of fine western wear, fine dining, fun games of chance, and a country music concert, plus it gives me the chance to wear a pair of cowboy boots!
What is your fondest childhood memory? Since my dad was Air Force, we moved multiple times and from coast to coast while I was growing up. While I found it easy to make new friends, it was always difficult to say goodbye. Looking back, I can appreciate all the life lessons I learned at a young age – don’t take friendship for granted, get involved in as many things as you can without spreading yourself too thin and enjoy life by learning new things and traveling.
If I had to pick one memory it would be camping with my family on our ranch in Arizona. We hiked, fished, went horseback riding, played horseshoes and cards, and just enjoyed each other’s company.
What is your idea of a perfect vacation? My ideal vacation involves water, sun, no internet or phone and a spa. In other words, complete relaxation.
Do you have a “fashion addiction" you can share with us (i.e. shoes, bags, a certain type of jewelry, or a line of clothing)? I have several (don’t tell Adam), but I think my biggest addiction are cowboy boots. I have functional boots (for riding our horses) and fashion boots, and of course you have to have a pair in every color!
You look very fit – and I know you and Adam are really into working out, but when you have to have a sweet treat, what is it? Thank you for the compliment. Those that know me well know that I have the biggest sweet tooth. I always look at the dessert menu first so I know how much room to save. There’s no way to narrow it down to one thing.
What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?
Marrying Adam…he is my best friend and my soul mate.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Someday everything will make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason, you just have to believe it’s for the best.
What fundraising events do you have coming up? Western Fantasy is October 19th and the YP Kick-off event is this Wednesday, September 25th from 6-8pm at Second Home in Cherry Creek.
I ask most of my married folks this – “What do you think is the secret to wedded bliss?” Communication. And as Bob Marley says: “He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always on guy that is perfect for you.” Adam is definitely my perfect guy!
What are your favorite “words of wisdom” or "words to live by?"
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming “WOO HOO what a ride!”
What are some of your other hobbies or interests? Spending quality time with my husband, family and friends, horseback riding, photography, and traveling.
Describe a typical Sunday for Jennifer Daurio? Given my work and social calendar it is typically my one day “off”. I usually sleep in, catch up on housework and laundry.
What do you picture yourself doing 10 years from now? I still see Adam and I being active members of the community, but with the addition of a couple children.
What are some gifts your parents gave you that money can’t buy?
An amazing education and personal values that have made me into the person I am today.
Is there anything you wish you'd done differently so far? I live life with no regrets. If a mistake is made I’ve learned from it, grown from it and know how to do it differently if the situation presents itself again.
What would you like your legacy to be? / What would you most like to be remembered for? Simply being a good person, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, mentor/co-worker, etc. I strive to be the best that I can be and enjoy life to the fullest.
