Danette Render: A Living Legend in Communications and Community Service
For more than four decades, Dannette A. Render, President, CEO, and Founder of DAR Public Relations, Inc., has shaped the landscape of marketing, public relations, and integrated communications across sectors as diverse as healthcare, transportation, and tourism.
Founded in July 1984, DAR Public Relations stands as a testament to Render’s fearless spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence — a journey she credits first and foremost to her faith. “If it wasn’t for the Lord, I wouldn’t have made it,” Render said. “With God at the helm, I do this work.”
A Cleveland native, Render has never been content to merely participate; she leads. Born and raised in the Lee-Harvard community, she is a proud graduate of John F. Kennedy High School and earned her B.S. in Communications, cum laude, from Ohio University. She later earned her M.A. from Cleveland State University and is a graduate of Dartmouth College’s prestigious Amos Tuck Minority Business Program, as well as Leadership America and Leadership Cleveland.
Over the years, Render’s fearless mentality set her apart. Leaving a full-time career to pursue entrepreneurship, she built a thriving business from the ground up, relying not only on execution but on an ability to quickly master any subject matter. “I knew I had to figure it out. The first five years were crucial,” she reflected.
Render’s versatility has made her a true generalist in an industry often marked by narrow specialization. She has led multimillion-dollar campaigns — including a high-impact public health campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic for the City of Dayton — and delivered results across healthcare marketing, multicultural outreach, public awareness campaigns, event planning at the international level, tourism promotions, transportation projects, and entertainment initiatives. Her team’s ability to execute work nationally and internationally, including projects with the European Parliament, speaks to the depth and breadth of her firm’s capabilities.
“Variety is the spice of life,” Render said. “That diversity of experience gives us a level of knowledge and excellence that sets us apart.”
At DAR Public Relations, integrated marketing, PR, and event planning operate under one umbrella, offering clients comprehensive solutions without the need to hire multiple firms. It’s a model that reflects Render’s lifelong mantra: a commitment to excellence — personally and professionally.
Render’s leadership extends far beyond the boardroom. She has served as National Vice President and Local President of the National Alliance of Market Developers (NAMD), chaired events for the Ohio University Ebony Bobcat Network, and contributed her talents to organizations like the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, Dress for Success, and Youth Opportunities Unlimited.
Today, Render finds particular joy in producing the Seniors & Caregivers Expo, a statewide resource fair celebrating its 10th anniversary and serving thousands annually — a project she calls her “favorite service project to date.”
When she’s not building campaigns or mentoring emerging leaders, Render enjoys life’s quieter moments with her two beloved cats, Tiki and Tigger.
From Cleveland to Europe, from startups to government agencies, Dannette A. Render has proven that with vision, courage, faith, and a relentless commitment to service, excellence isn’t just a goal — it’s a legacy.