Dara Hogan is an Omaha native and has known since the age of seven she loved three things the stage, cameras and storytelling. Hogan holds a B.S. from Syracuse University and studied communications, rhetorical studies and writing. She is currently studying journalism and mass communications to obtain an M.A. at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
As a passionate storyteller starting her career in broadcast news was a natural fit. Dara has worked as a television reporter, producer and multi-media journalist in Omaha, Nebraska at KETV Newswatch 7, 3NewsNow, KHAS-TV in Hastings, Nebraska and CBTV-17 in Iowa. After leaving the news industry in 2014, Hogan began her career in public relations.
She worked as the public information specialist at Omaha Public Schools for five years, where she was responsible for internal and external communications, video productions and developing, managing and implementing the district’s social media strategy. In 2017, the district received a golden achievement award by the National School of Public Relations Association for its social media engagement. In 2019, Hogan began working as the public relations coordinator for Omaha Performing Arts.
Outside of work Hogan is passionate about community service and theater. In 2014, as part of her reign as Miss Nebraska United States she helped establish Global Girls Leadership Group, now coined Global Leadership Group Omaha (GLG). GLG is a mentorship program for students in grades 9-12.
Hogan is also actively involved in theater and music projects in Omaha. Her most recent plays include: Red Summer – Bluebarn Theatre, Ragtime – Omaha Community Playhouse, and The Bubbly Black Girl: Sheds Her Chameleon Skin - The Union for Contemporary Art. In 2020, Hogan accepted a directing fellowship through the Omaha Community Playhouse to assistant direct and direct two productions during the 2021 season.
Hogan is married and in her free time, enjoys traveling and spending time with family.