9 AM:

Breakfast and Registration

9:30 AM:

Welcome Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO • Groundwork Ohio

Kara B. Wente Director • Department of Children & Youth

Panel Discussions & Legislative Awards

Keynote SpeakerJill Miller, President & CEO • Bethesda Inc. and bi3 Fund

Today's Advocacy Goals

12 PM:

Livestream Governor DeWine's State of the State Address and enjoy a boxed lunch

1:30 PM – 4PM:

Legislative Meetings

Lynanne Gutierrez

President & CEO, Groundwork Ohio

Lynanne Gutierrez is at the helm of Groundwork Ohio as President & CEO, leading the organization’s statewide mission to advance early learning and healthy development strategies from the prenatal period to age five that lay a strong foundation for Ohio kids, families, and communities. As a visionary leader and dedicated child advocate, Lynanne guides the overall strategic direction of Groundwork Ohio, overseeing all aspects of the organization’s operations, policy agenda, and initiatives. Her leadership is instrumental in fostering state and national partnerships and coalition development, driving impactful advocacy efforts, and ensuring the effective implementation of research and data-driven strategies to benefit young children and their families.

Recognized as a respected early childhood expert in Ohio and nationwide, Lynanne is frequently sought out to address diverse audiences on early childhood policy advocacy. Appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to the state’s Early Childhood Advisory Council, she has served as a member since 2019. She has been recognized for her statewide leadership and received the Children’s Champion Award for the Ohio Head Start Association in 2024.

Kara B. Wente

Director, Ohio Department of Children & Youth

Kara Wente has spent her career advocating for children. In August, 2023, Governor Mike DeWine nominated her to be the director of the Department of Children and Youth.

She has served as the Director of the Governor’s Children’s Initiative since January 2023 and was previously the Chief Operating Officer for Future Ready Columbus.

With more than 20 years in dedicated state service, Wente has extensive experience in serving the most vulnerable children and families in Ohio. She used data as an accountability tool for systemic change during her time as the Assistant Director of Health and Human Services at the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services and led several large-scale system and policy changes as Deputy Director at the Office of Family Assistance.

Wente holds a Master’s in Education and Allied Professions from the University of Dayton and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The Ohio State University.

Jill Miller

President & CEO of Bethesda, Inc. and The bi3 Fund

Jill Miller is President and CEO of Bethesda Inc., co-sponsor of TriHealth and creator of the bi3 Fund. Through Jill’s leadership, the bi3 Fund, one of Ohio’s leading health grantmakers, has awarded more than $105 million in grants to TriHealth and community-based organizations to fuel health equity and innovation. Jill is proud that nearly 220 babies are alive today due to Hamilton County’s community-wide efforts bi3 helped fund to reduce infant mortality. She is passionate about leading the way to a day when every person has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

She is the co-author of the book Infant Mortality and Other Wicked Problems. Jill also serves as an Ambassador of the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project and is a sought-after speaker on the practice of Trust-Based Philanthropy and health equity, sharing her expertise with foundation boards across the country and at national conferences.

Throughout her two-decade career, Jill has worked in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She is a board member of Health Policy Institute of Ohio and Bethesda Foundation, serves on TriHealth Steering Committees advancing health equity and care delivery, was a member of the Hamilton Country Commission on Women & Girls, and is the former chair of the Greater Cincinnati Funders Collaborative. Jill was recognized as a 2024 YWCA Career Women of Achievement, named one of Venue Magazine’s 2023 Influential Women of Greater Cincinnati, and was selected as a Cincinnati Business Courier 2023 Women Who Mean Business. She was awarded the 2021 Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Community Service, recognized for her leadership in COVID-19 response and relief. Jill is a 2016 YWCA Rising Star, a member of Leadership Cincinnati Class 39 and the Cincinnati Business Courier’s 2016 Forty Under 40 class.

LEGISLATIVE PANEL

Sen. Lou Blessing (R-Colerain Township)

Senator Louis W. Blessing III, representing Ohio’s 8th Senate District, brings a strong background in electrical engineering and public policy to the Statehouse. Previously serving in the Ohio House, he now chairs the Senate Ways & Means Committee and plays a key role in shaping education and finance policy. A licensed professional engineer, he has worked at Super Systems, Inc., Duke Energy, and Nova Engineering. Senator Blessing holds degrees in mathematics and electrical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and resides in Colerain Township with his wife, Heather, and their three sons.

Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo)

Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson, the first Black female mayor of Toledo and current representative of Ohio’s 11th Senate District, has dedicated her career to community empowerment, legal advocacy, and public service, holding roles as a prosecutor, public defender, and legislative leader. A passionate advocate for youth well-being and education, she has served on numerous boards, received multiple service awards, and continues to champion equitable policies while also enjoying music, family, and her role as minister of music at Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Rep. Marilyn John, Ohio House Majority Floor Leader (R-Richland)

Representative Marilyn John, serving Ohio’s 76th House District, is a dedicated public servant with a strong background in local government and business. Currently the Assistant Majority Floor Leader, she plays a key role in legislative leadership and serves on multiple committees, including Finance and Workforce & Higher Education. Previously, she was Mayor of Shelby and a Richland County Commissioner, bringing years of executive experience to the Statehouse. A lifelong Richland County resident, Marilyn holds business degrees from Ashland University and North Central State College and remains active in her community alongside her husband, Kevin, and their two children.

Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake)

Representative Bride Rose Sweeney, serving Ohio’s 16th House District, is a dedicated leader focused on education, economic opportunity, and government accountability. As Ranking Member of the House Finance Committee, she has played a key role in shaping Ohio’s budget and championed bipartisan efforts like the Fair School Funding Plan to overhaul the state’s unconstitutional school funding formula. Recognized as a "Democratic Rising Star" and the "Most Bipartisan Lawmaker" in 2023, she has passed multiple bills protecting workers, supporting students, and strengthening democracy. A John Carroll University graduate, Bride remains committed to delivering results for working families in Western Cuyahoga County.

AWARDS

Sen. Beth Liston, Assistant Minority Whip (D-Dublin)

Senator Beth Liston, representing Ohio’s 3rd Senate District, is a physician and former professor dedicated to improving healthcare access, education, and public health policy. With a background in internal medicine and pediatrics, she has championed legislation to support families, strengthen healthcare systems, and invest in Ohio’s future, while balancing her commitment to public service with time spent with family, teaching, and medical advocacy.

Sen. Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester)

Senator Michele Reynolds, representing Ohio’s 3rd Senate District, is a dedicated leader focused on economic empowerment, workforce development, and strong communities. With experience as a business owner, nonprofit executive, and public servant, she has championed policies that support small businesses, expand career opportunities, and promote financial independence while remaining active in mentorship, faith-based initiatives, and community service.

Rep. Dani Isaacsohn, Ohio House Minority Whip (D-Cincinnati)

Representative Dani Isaacsohn, serving Ohio’s 24th House District, is a dedicated advocate for working families, equitable education, and community-driven policy. With a background in law, civic engagement, and grassroots organizing, he has focused on expanding economic opportunity, strengthening public schools, and ensuring government works for all Ohioans while remaining active in local initiatives and public service.

Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield)

Representative Bill Roemer, serving Ohio’s 31st House District, has built a career focused on fiscal responsibility, public service, and community leadership, with experience as a business executive, school board member, and county councilman. As Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, he has championed policies that support small businesses, lower taxes, and promote government efficiency, while balancing his commitment to public service with time spent with family, outdoor activities, and volunteer work in his community.

Early Childhood Dashboard >

Groundwork Ohio has been working diligently for the last two years to bring you the release of the 2025 Early Childhood Dashboard, our second edition building upon the foundational work established in our inaugural Dashboard published in 2023. This updated resource reflects our ongoing commitment to sharing a more complete story of experiences of Ohio’s youngest children and their families, enabling us to track progress, identify ongoing challenges, and learn from improvements over the past two years.

The Data Dashboard serves as a tool for understanding the strengths and challenges facing the systems serving children and families.

Poll >

Leading up to Ohio’s biennial budget, Groundwork Ohio released new poll data showing investment in quality child care and early childhood education is vital to addressing workforce challenges and increasing economic productivity, and would pay long-term dividends for the state.

County Fact Sheets >

Issues Fact Sheets >

Gather a strong case for supporting investments in early learning.

Ohio faces many, varied challenges that legislators will be asked to address in the upcoming budget process. Be sure to prepare a clear argument for why investments in quality early learning are worth prioritizing. Include any specific challenges you have faced, as well as those facing our system as a whole. Need a place to start? Check out our resources >.

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Prepare a specific ask.

In addition to sharing why your legislator should invest in quality early education and healthcare programs, it is important to share how they can do so. Need help developing your "ask?" Contact us.

Identify roles and goals.

Now that you have prepared the messages you want to articulate, it's time to identify the roles each person will fill and your overarching goals for the meeting. If you're bringing colleagues, parents, or other community leaders with you, be sure to identify who will introduce the group, share your case for support, make the ask, etc. This will help ensure efficient and clear communication during your time with the legislator.

Prepare additional materials.

As you make final preparations for your meeting, consider bringing additional resources to leave behind with your legislator's office. Helpful resources can include an overview of your program, additional information about the case for investing in early learning (check out some of our resources here >), and written versions of your policy or budget asks.​

Stay Connected

Wi-Fi at the Statehouse

Public network and no password is needed.

Wi-Fi at the Vern Riffe Center

Username: CAPA WiFi

Password: C@PA1045

The Ohio Statehouse

1 Capitol Square

The morning's program will be held in the Atrium. If you have time between meetings, be sure to visit the Museum or the many monuments located on the Statehouse grounds.

All state senate offices are located within the Ohio Statehouse, in the "Senate Building" on the Third Street side of the building. Offices are numbered and located on the ground floor, first floor, and second floor of the building. There is a map on the ground floor when you enter from the Third Street entrance, under the marble staircase on the left-hand side.

View Statehouse Maps to Navigate to Meetings >

Vern Riffe Center

77 South High Street

You will need to be screen through security before entering. Please make sure to leave plenty of time for yourself to do this prior to meetings.

We will have a gathering space in the Studio Theater Lobby in the Riffe Center. Meet friends, catch up on email, or share your meeting experience with Groundwork Staff. We’ll have light snacks and water available.

All offices for state representatives are located in the Vern Riffe Center, across the street from the Statehouse on High Street. House offices are located on the 10th - 14th floors. When you enter the building, you will sign in at the front desk, providing your valid state ID and the floor that you will be visiting (this information will be located on your meeting schedule in the back of your name tag). Security will provide you with a paper badge to enter the Riffe Center and you can proceed through the security check-point that includes a metal detector and x-ray machine for bags/personal items.

Next, you will take the two sets of escalators up to the Third Floor (elevators are also accessible in the building) to access the elevators to the legislative offices. You will need to be buzzed into the elevator bay at the security desk. Show them your paper badge that you received at the front desk check-in and let them know which floor you will be visiting.

Once you arrive on your assigned floor, go to the front reception desk on that floor and sign-in by letting them know that you're there for a Groundwork Ohio Advocacy Day meeting with your assigned legislator. They will let the legislative aide know, who will come to get your group and bring you back to their office for your meeting.

As you wait for them, you can find the rest of your group in the waiting area and plan ahead for your meeting. Remember, we'll have staff/volunteers posted throughout the Riffe Center to help guide you if needed.

Thanks to our sponsors for making Advocacy Day a success!