As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork” series, we’re spotlighting our amazing colleagues so you can get to know the dynamic components comprising our mighty team. This week, we’re getting to know Dominique Johnson, Policy Associate. Dominique joined the Groundwork team in January 2025.
Dominique Johnson has joined Groundwork Ohio as the new Policy Associate, where she will play a critical role in supporting the implementation and expansion of the Safe Babies approach across the state of Ohio. Her work will also focus on advancing maternal and young child health policy priorities, with the goal of creating healthier, more equitable outcomes for families. In this capacity, Dominique will collaborate with stakeholders, community leaders, and policymakers to drive initiatives that address the pressing needs of mothers, infants, and children.
Dominique’s journey into advocacy is deeply personal and rooted in her own lived experiences. After the heartbreaking loss of her child, she was compelled to reflect on the systemic challenges that impacted her life—both during her youth and as an adult. This realization ignited her passion for change and motivated her to use her voice to advocate for the next generation. She is dedicated to breaking down barriers, addressing inequities, and working toward a future where all families have the support and resources they need to thrive.
Dominique serves on the board of Queens Village Columbus, a minority, woman-led organization committed to empowering Black women while addressing the significant racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates in Columbus, Ohio. Through her work with Queens Village, she has actively participated in initiatives that uplift and support Black mothers, families, and communities. Her role has also afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of other organizations and initiatives, including Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where she has contributed to Safe Sleep programs aimed at reducing infant mortality.
Her personal journey has shaped her approach to advocacy, giving her a unique perspective and a relentless drive to create solutions that prioritize equity and inclusion. By championing the Safe Babies approach and maternal and child health priorities, Dominique is working to ensure that every child and every family has the opportunity to thrive.
Check out our Q&A with Dominique to learn more about why she’s a passionate advocate for young children and families in Ohio!
Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why”!
I was drawn to early childhood policy research and advocacy because I have personally witnessed the persistent challenges faced by children growing up in underserved communities. Growing up in the inner city of Cleveland, Ohio, and later working with elementary kids in Dayton, Ohio, I noticed the challenges children face, such as entering kindergarten without being able to read at grade level and experiencing developmental delays that often go unnoticed or unaddressed. It is disheartening to see that the same issues I encountered as a child and later as a young adult persist today, decades later.
As someone who once struggled to keep up with school, I understand the profound impact that early educational and developmental support can have on a child’s future. My lived experiences fuel my passion to address these systemic issues and advocate for meaningful change. It is unacceptable that these challenges remain unresolved, and I am committed to using my perspective and dedication to create policies and programs that ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to never be afraid to take a seat at any table. Advocacy work was entirely new to me when I first started, and I had limited knowledge about maternal and infant health. However, I did have my own lived experiences during pregnancy and the stories of others in my community.
Instead of letting my lack of technical expertise hold me back, I embraced that advice and stepped confidently into spaces with organizations like Nationwide Children’s Hospital and March of Dimes. I spoke boldly about what I knew, shared my perspective, and remained open to learning from those around me. By listening attentively and engaging meaningfully, I was able to expand my knowledge and grow into a more effective advocate.
Q: What’s your word for 2025?
My word for 2025 is "slingshot." Over the next year, my goal is to challenge myself by exploring new directions and pushing beyond my current limits. I aim to take bold leaps of faith and see how far I can soar, embracing growth and embracing opportunities for success in every new venture.
Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside of my advocacy work for young children and families, I enjoy hosting various gatherings at my home, from game nights with my cousins to children's birthday parties and even hosting bridal showers for my niece. I take great pleasure in decorating these events and creating thoughtful meals and drinks that make the occasion special for my guests.
Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers.
My vision for the future of Ohio's youngest children and their caregivers begins with building strong, supportive communities. I envision a world where becoming a parent feels like joining a supportive club—a network of care where parents are never alone. This club includes not only doctors and hospital staff as trusted allies but also doulas and midwives, offering an additional layer of personalized support for those who choose it.
Hospitals are places where mothers of all races feel genuinely heard, respected, and confident that the staff will do everything in their power to prioritize the health and well-being of both mother and baby. However, this club doesn’t end its membership after a child is born. The support continues, extending into the home with visits that not only address the physical health of the mother and child but also provide meaningful assistance, such as offering mothers a few hours of rest or a free, nourishing meal for the family.
In this vision, it’s okay for a mother to admit she feels overwhelmed and needs a moment to seek help, knowing she will return to her child as an even better, more present parent. This club wouldn’t judge or shame mothers who need assistance but instead would extend a helping hand, connecting them with resources while ensuring their child is cared for by trusted family or friends. This isn’t about taking children away but about surrounding families with the support they need to stay together and thrive.
This vision is backed by a system that truly understands the challenges of parenting and champions policies and programs designed to make it easier. A system where every baby and child have a real opportunity to thrive, whether with the family they come from or with another family that loves them as their own.
Achieving this vision requires more than just new programs—it demands a shift in how we view and value people in need. We must recognize that every family deserves the same opportunities for health, stability, and success, regardless of their circumstances. By investing in policies and programs that support all families, and by seeing ourselves in the experiences of others, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for Ohio's children and caregivers.
Connect with Dominique on LinkedIn.
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