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 Vanessa Butler, Senior Director of Community Relations & Special Projects. Vanessa joined the Groundwork team in October 2024.
Vanessa Butler recently rejoined Groundwork Ohio to serve as the Senior Director of Community Relations & Special Projects, to assist with building, maintaining, and nurturing key community relationships through unique strategies, initiatives, and engagement tactics. Vanessa previously served the President and CEO of The Center for Healthy Families, an organization that provides direct services and advocacy for pregnant and parenting teens and their families, as well as girls, young women, and gender expansive youth. Vanessa’s previous professional roles consist of serving as a policy associate for Groundwork Ohio, a civil fellow and clerk for The Ohio State University’s Student Legal Services, as well as a deputy auditor for the Board of Revision in the Franklin County Auditor’s Office. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from Capital University Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Denison University. She is a 2022 graduate of The Kathy Duffy Espy Leadership for Social Change Program by YWCA Columbus. Vanessa previously served on several boards, including the board of directors for the W.O.R.T.H. Foundation, the alumni board for Columbus Academy, as well Komen Young Professionals board of the Susan G. Komen Columbus affiliate. She was also previously highlighted in the Columbus Urban League’s HerStory Makers 2024, as well as Who’s Who of Black Columbus Young Professionals.
Check out our Q&A with Vanessa to learn more about why she is 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”!
A: Every child’s future is dependent on the decisions and choices made today. I have always considered myself an advocate and voice for others ever since I was a child. Now as an adult, I see the current state of society and critical needs that are necessary for each child to thrive in equitable environments and be the best versions of themselves. I look for ways to connect with others in authentic and genuine ways to align minds and resources needed in this work. We all have a vital role to contribute towards tangible change, and I seek opportunities to do my part.
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?
A: Do not become disheartened when progress is slow and takes time. Be encouraged by every human interaction you have with others because you never know the impact you’ve made, which can then culminate into effective, tangible outcomes.
Q: What’s your word for 2024?
A: I actually have a few: intuition, release, practice, and bliss.
Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing?
A: I always enjoy spending quality time with family and close friends, attending community events, going on long walks downtown, and watching movies.
Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers.
A: Each childcare environment is filled with intentional belonging, which focuses on the individual attentiveness and development of each child. Rooms are filled with greenery, artwork, and soothing sounds. Learning environments will promote curiosity, joy, affirming and celebrating each child when new discoveries are made, as well as rest. With caregivers receiving the necessary support needed to tend to young minds, it will model and cultivate more nurturing spaces for both young minds and those entrusted to care for them.
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