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Groundwork Ohio Celebrates Family Leadership Fellows

“The Family Advisory Committee is committed to advocating for better outcomes for all families in Ohio, and it's an exciting way for parents to become leaders and advocates in their communities."


Malissa Harris

Policy Associate


Groundwork Ohio’s first Family Leadership Institute attended our Family Fun Day at Center of Science and Industry (COSI) on October 5th, 2024.


Family Leadership Institute

Over the past year, Family Leadership Institute Fellows from Groundwork Ohio’s Family Action Network (FAN) have engaged in a yearlong program designed to strengthen their skills as early childhood leaders and advocates. These fellows, representing families from across Ohio, participated in a hybrid curriculum that included in-person and virtual sessions. Throughout the program, they increased their knowledge of early childhood policies and advocacy strategies, expanded their connections with other family advocates, community-based organizations, and policymakers, and built confidence to lead and influence change.



In addition to attending six mandatory sessions—including leadership retreats, advocacy institutes, and convenings—fellows also took direct action by writing letters and meeting with state policymakers. They promoted and participated in Groundwork Ohio events, fostering an inclusive environment that supports the needs of Ohio’s children and families. By the end of the program, the fellows had developed the skills, connections, and confidence to continue their advocacy efforts and empower other family advocates across the state.


Family Fun Day

Our day started with short, five-minute game to help the children get their wiggles out. We recapped the experience of the cohort. We provided each family with a certificate for graduating from the cohort.


Groundwork Ohio’s 2024 Family Leadership Institute Fellows:

  • Raya Anderson

  • Guadalupe Bright

  • Charis Davis

  • Rebekah Fields

  • Erin Finley

  • Christina Hutton

  • Lori Jarvis

  • Luz Martinez

  • Alecia Murray

  • Patricia Tomlinson

  • Yasmin Tremper

  • Holly Unger


Families were asked to complete a scavenger hunt after lunch while they explored COSI.


Holly Unger, Yasim Tremper, Charis Davis, Malissa Harris, Lynanne Guterriez and Families


Luz Martinez and Family


Rebekah Fields and Family


What’s next for our Family Leadership Cohort?

Groundwork Ohio is launching its first Family Advisory Committee (FAC). This committee will begin with the families who completed our leadership cohort. The committee will give families across Ohio a direct platform to influence policies that impact their lives. As part of this committee, families can raise their voices, share their experiences, and contribute to meaningful change at the state level. The FAC will act as a resource and advisory group for Groundwork Ohio’s Family Action Network (FAN), helping to shape our work that supports the well-being of children and families.


Through the FAC, members will collaborate with other family advocates to co-create a standardized process for engaging parents in decision-making. This not only amplifies the voices of families but also ensures that their input directly informs the development of policies that affect them. The FAC is committed to advocating for better outcomes for all families in Ohio, and it's an exciting way for parents to become leaders and advocates in their communities.


Join the Movement

As we celebrate the achievements of our first Family Leadership Cohort, we invite you to join the Family Action Network (FAN). By becoming part of FAN, you can amplify your voice and help shape policies that impact families across Ohio. Join the movement:  Groundwork Ohio’s Family Action Network. Your participation can make a difference!

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