Las Vegas NowJo Cato Receives Community Spirit Award

Jo Cato Receives Community Spirit Award

Jo Cato publishes a magazine, runs a marketing firm and still has time to reach out to young people.

Like many before her, Jo Cato came to Las Vegas with dreams of becoming a showgirl. But that dream was shattered and she soon found herself out of work and homeless.

"But there was something in me that tells me just push on. You'll be okay. It's that drive and motivation that's in me that propelled me to where I am today," Cato said.

Today she is the owner of her own business and has both Bachelor and Master degrees. She is also a single mother of three and an active member in our community. She donates much of her time working with at risk kids specifically "Valley View Cares" which helps teenage mothers get their high school diploma.

"It's just my experience that keeps me energized. Keeps me motivated to save at least one kid from going down the path that I took, Cato said.

Besides being involved in a number of youth programs, Cato serves on the North Las Vegas Planning Commission and is also an advocate for battered and abused woman. She does whatever she can to help and inspire others.

"I'm in a position where I can give back to the community so after providing for my family, I want to go out there and do as best as I can for families that are in need of services and whatever help I can give."