What Do You Do: A Conversation in Public Policy

What Do You Do: A Conversation in Public Policy

Join Leadership Institute's Career Services team and guest speaker for our brand new online series, 'What Do You Do?' What Do You Do: A Conversation in Public Policy is an online webinar where you will get to listen and learn from speakers who work in a variety of professional roles, how they achieved their success, and offer valuable advice for people at any point in their careers.

Join us to hear from our guest speaker, Janis Heffron, a Washington D.C. based professional makeup artist with more than four decades of experience in fashion photography, broadcast television, corporate communications, and political media.

Her career began in fashion photography in New York, Milan, and London before returning to Washington, DC, where she founded EFEX, one of the area's first agencies dedicated exclusively to professional makeup artists and stylists. When MSNBC launched, Janis joined Chris Matthews' team, beginning a career in television that has continued to grow almost entirely through referrals and long-standing client relationships.

Over the years, Janis has worked with world leaders, presidents, political leaders, Fortune 500 CEOs, journalists, authors, athletes, and public figures, including Anna Wintour, Serena Williams, President Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Boris Johnson, J.D. Vance, and many others. Her work has taken her behind the scenes of television studios, the Oval Office, major gala events, and countless productions where she has helped clients prepare for important moments.

A longtime corporate client affectionately calls Janis their "secret weapon," recognizing her ability to create a calm, positive environment while making clients camera-ready in the final moments before they go live.

In addition to her makeup career, Janis produced a public-access music television show, Spin Off, where she interviewed musicians and filmed live performances at Washington's legendary 9:30 Club. That experience gave her a unique appreciation for television production and strengthened her collaborative approach to working behind the scenes.

While makeup is my profession, my role has always extended beyond makeup alone. In the final moments before someone steps onto a stage or goes live on television, I'm often making the last adjustments—straightening a tie, smoothing a collar, checking for shine under studio lights, taming a stray hair, or making sure every detail is in place. Those final moments aren't just about appearance; they're about helping someone feel calm, confident, and completely prepared to focus on their message.

After more than four decades, I still love the artistry of makeup, the creativity of production, and the privilege of helping people feel confident before stepping in front of a camera or onto a stage. It's an art form that continues to inspire me every day. 

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The Leadership Institute’s (LI) mission is to increase the number and effectiveness of conservative activists and leaders in the public policy process. The Institute identifies, recruits, trains, and places conservatives in government, politics, and the media. [More]