Joan Hisaoka: The Quintessential PR Professional
Joan and I joked that we both “graduated” from “The Michael O’Harro School of Public Relations & Promotions.” That’s how we explained our passion for our chosen field – creating amazing events and making sure everyone knew about them. We learned that from Michael – me in the 70s at Tramp’s Discoteque and she in the 80s at Champions Sports Bar. She rode the sports bar wave while I had been immersed in disco.
Our lives have been forever linked in the public relations world. We both specialized in restaurants and hospitality. We didn’t just like to be creative – we liked to spark others’ imaginations. We believed in mentoring dynamic, young talent.
I was always in awe of Joan, as she was a member of Mensa, meaning her IQ level was well above the general populace. And she focused that intelligence and creativity on the public relations world.
She was passionate about certain things – her spirituality, her business, her leadership of Les Dames d’Escoffier (DC chapter), traveling to exotic, spiritual places and her friends.
When I introduced Joan and Marvin, I did not expect it to “work,” as they did not get along well at the onset. But they enjoyed a long distance relationship that worked. He moved to DC and they married. She and Marvin celebrated life together for 18 years – riding elephants in Thailand, partaking of healing ceremonies in Peru or meditating with a holy man in India. She was truly fearless.
Joan and I visited spiritual spa retreats. I was more into the spa part – Joan was the seeker of spiritual growth and knowledge. Because of Joan, I acknowledged my spiritual side. We spent a rainy evening in an Indian sweat lodge; we were sprayed with fire and rum by shamans; we danced to rhythms that freed the body, while opening the heart and mind.
Joan feared nothing – not even the cancer that consumed her. I don’t believe her energy force is gone. She is very much a part of this public relations company. Energy and fearlessness like Joan’s will always be an asset to our public relations world.
By Linda Roth Conte
