Do-gooding diva

Carla Smith Jones has dedicated her life to helping others-first at United Way, then at the Columbus Cancer Clinic. Now, she's doing it with a dash of delightful diva. The 51-year-old is the marketing director at Saks Fifth Avenue in Columbus, coordinating events as often as seven days a week-including more than 50 a year that benefit charities. "Those are the most powerful," she said. "Because if you don't succeed, someone's not going to get what they need, and I take it personally. The store takes it personally." Here's a look at the woman behind the BlackBerry-a Columbus native and identical twin.

Lifestyle

My greatest passion is: Helping people who can't help themselves. I love it. I believe it's a huge reason why I'm here.

I most admire: My mother and father. They had this belief that you could do whatever you wanted to do in your life, that the only barrier was yourself. They loved each other.

Three things I hope people say I am: Passionate. That I'm a nice person - because I can be tough when warranted. And I hope they say I care.

My favorite place to be is: I love fall, and there is something about sitting in front of the fireplace on the couch, curled up, watching a very old movie. I think it's because my life is so go-go-go.

My ideal day includes: Massage, manicure, pedicure - all the girl stuff. Having brunch with my sister and my friends.

Style File

Style icon: Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O - classic, elegant.

Beauty secret: False eyelashes - and sometimes I double and triple them!

You're given $1,000 and an hour to spend it. Where do you go? The Columbus Cancer Clinic. I know that's not sexy, but that will pay for I don't know how many mammograms.

Favorites

Book: "The Death of a President" by William Manchester

Singer: Luther Vandross

Sound: Laughter

Saying: Well-behaved women seldom make history.