FAN Spotlight: Molly Ryan Kowaleski

Q. Tell us a little about yourself and your family. Where are you from, and what does family life look like for you?

A. My husband, Nick, and I have two girls, Elena and Julia. Elena loves dogs and asking tough, brave questions. Julia loves puzzles and her favorite teacher, Miss Joi. We’ve lived in Grove City for about four years and have explored most of Columbus’ Metro Parks, as well as several Ohio State Parks, over the last few years. We also frequent the Columbus Metropolitan and Southwest Public Libraries, our community pool, and the Grove City Farmer’s Market.

Q. What inspired you to get involved in advocacy for young children and families? What’s your “why”?

A. My husband is a middle school teacher in one of Columbus’ most underserved communities and I work at YWCA Columbus, where we serve women and families experiencing homelessness, as well as families in need of child care. Between us, we’ve seen many families who find themselves in crisis after just one lapsed rent check, broken down car, or some other circumstance that affects their employment, health, child care, housing, or a combination of all of these. We know how oppressive systems keep people in poverty and continue the cycle of trauma for too many of our neighbors – and that alone is enough for me to fight for a better way forward... But, it’s also closer to home now – with both of us working full-time and still struggling to find and afford high-quality child care for our 2-year-old, as well as finding afterschool care for our oldest when she starts kindergarten in the fall.

The latter options are practically nonexistent with long waiting lists.

My gut tells me that we can’t be the only family trying and failing to find a solution that we feel good about. I believe every family deserves safe, affordable, high-quality care for their kiddos – regardless of their address, income, or other circumstances.

Q. What are some of the biggest issues you care about as a parent or caregiver?

A. My biggest concerns are ensuring the safety and well-being of my kids. When my oldest was born, I wanted to build a moat around our house to keep her safe. So, it maybe goes without saying that I personally struggle with anxiety, and having two little pieces of my heart walking around, ever growing more independent, is sometimes difficult for me.

But it also motivates me to ensure they are surrounded by people who also prioritize their safety and are there for them consistently. That is what I want for all kids – a stable environment that helps support their unique needs and challenges them to grow.

I worry a lot about the quality of child care that the average person can find and afford, and I hope policymakers also feel called to prioritize early childhood development and learning for all families.

Q. What was your first experience with advocacy like?

A. I’ve signed petitions and written letters/emails over the years, but the first time I shared my family’s experience face-to-face with one of my representatives happened at Groundwork Ohio’s Family Voices at the Statehouse event in May 2026.

It was wonderful to not only have a moment to connect directly with my senator, but also take my children with me and show them that the Statehouse belongs to them, as well. I was nervous, but it got easier as we chatted – elected officials are also just people! – and I walked away proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone. I also felt humbled and privileged to speak on behalf of myself and families who could not be there in person to express their concerns.

Q. What’s one thing you’ve learned about advocacy since you started?

A. The policymakers who really care will show up and listen to their constituents.

Also, I didn’t have to have all the answers. Sometimes it is enough to show up and share something that might not have been in your elected official’s line of sight – without a lot of data or facts to back up what you are saying or your suggested solutions. It’s their job to figure out what can be done about a problem – but they need to hear first that people are struggling and what’s impacting their constituents’ day-to-day lives.

Q. What are your hopes for the future of Ohio’s children and families?

A. My hope for Ohio’s children and families is that every child – and their caregiver – has the safety, stability, and support they need to thrive.

Personally, I believe a large part of providing children safety and stability starts with a good education, and I firmly believe public education needs more sustainable funding. Teachers and other child care providers – including before- and afterschool care workers – deserve to be paid a living wage. We need universal Pre-K and better infant and maternal health support for babies (and their grown-ups). Ensuring every child has the same opportunities from the beginning is my biggest hope for the next generation.

I also hope my own children are brave, that their voices are valued, and that they act when they witness injustice or inequity. And, if more and more children are taught to believe their voices matter, the future of all Ohio families looks brighter to me.

Q. What message would you share with other families who feel like they’re alone in this work?

A. I too feel alone at times. But, being at the Statehouse in May with the rest of the Family Action Network and seeing other families all working together in one space with a shared purpose felt like a call to action. Like I have a responsibility to act – even if I am alone.

But I know I am not. I know there are other families in our communities– even those who seem like they have it all figured out – who are struggling with a lot of the same problems related to the rising costs of, well, everything, as well as child care deserts, long waitlists, unreliable care, and more. These issues are amplified for caregivers of children with disabilities and trauma.

It can feel isolating at times, but Groundwork Ohio, the Family Action Network, and so many caring advocates are working to improve the lives of all Ohio children, and I’m grateful to be a small part of that.

Q. What does it mean to you for every young child to reach their full potential?

A. Every child deserves the same opportunities – regardless of their parents’ income, race, religion, zip code, or level of education – to succeed.

I think, to me, reaching their full potential means every child has the opportunity, at 18 years old, to decide for themselves – with all the possibilities on the table – whether they will travel, go to college, enter the workforce, or enlist in the military – WITHOUT worrying about how they’ll pay for it or their circumstances “dictating” their path forward.

And, before they get to 18, that they have equitable opportunities to learn new skills, think critically about the world they’re inheriting, and know their own value and worth.