In recent weeks, Groundwork Ohio has published a “Get to Know Groundwork” series, spotlighting members of our amazing team! This week, we’re getting to know Carol Argiro, Director of Advancement. Carol joined Groundwork Ohio in August 2022.
As Director of Advancement, Carol builds relationships and develops partnerships statewide to support Groundwork Ohio's mission of laying the foundation for every young child in Ohio to be healthy and ready to learn.
Carol Argiro is a seasoned nonprofit administrator with over 25 years of experience in the Columbus community.
Before joining Groundwork Ohio, Carol spent nearly a decade at Bridgeway (formerly Helping Hands Center for Special Needs) as the first Director of Development. As such, Carol formed an Advancement office for the organization. During her tenure, she oversaw a successful renaming and rebranding of the organization, secured $1M in funds through the State of Ohio Capital Bill, and led a comprehensive campaign to secure a new facility for Bridgeway.
Other experiences include Managing Director and Director of Community Programs for Jazz Arts Group of Columbus where she oversaw the build-out, operations, and programming for its Jazz Academy, as well as managing the internal operations of the organization. Prior to Jazz Arts Group, Carol spent nearly 10 years at Dublin Arts Council, a multi-arts and education organization in Dublin, Ohio.
Carol’s board service includes the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, The Dick & Jane Project, and the Japan-America Society of Central Ohio. She also served on the Arts & Autism conference with Art Possible and on the Executive Committee of Columbus Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Carol attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and received her BS in Communications.
Check out our Q&A with Carol Argiro 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”!
For the past 10 years, my work has been centered in the area of autism and other developmental disabilities for children and young adults, aged 3 through 22 and their families. Groundwork Ohio provides me with the exciting opportunity to expand upon this work, focusing on early childhood policy research and advocacy across the state of Ohio.
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?
Never make an assumption. Each person’s experience in this life is their unique lived experience. We can learn and understand, be sympathetic or empathetic. We can provide help or resources, but we cannot truly know that experience in the same way. What we can be is authentic in the way that we approach challenges and solutions and be open to learning more.
Q: Groundwork Ohio’s word for 2022 is ELEVATE. What’s your word for 2022?
My word for 2022 is BOLD. To be bold is to be willing to take risks, to be confident, and courageous. As I approach this new position at an organization that is new for me, I want to be singularly focused on doing the work and doing the work well.
Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing?
When not spending time with my family, I love to cook and to bake; I also love to eat and enjoy exploring new restaurants. And I enjoy going out to hear live music.
Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers.
All children have access to early learning. And for those with learning differences, access to the important interventions necessary to prepare them for learning as they grow. Families should not have to choose between providing resources their children need and all the other needs of the family.
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