Get to Know Groundwork Ohio: Mary Jane Sanese, Communications Associate
- Groundwork Ohio
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork Ohio” 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 Mary Jane Sanese, Communications Associate. Mary Jane joined the Groundwork Ohio team in April 2025.
Mary Jane joins Groundwork Ohio as a Communication Associate, to support the organization’s communications and advocacy efforts aimed at improving outcomes for children.
Mary Jane is a published journalist with experience at Axios and Gannett/USA Today Network covering Ohio politics. She is a communications and marketing professional with experience in both the nonprofit and private sectors. She is a graduate of Ohio University’s E.W Scripps School of Journalism where she received a B.S. in Journalism and a minor in Political Communications.
Check out our Q&A with Mary Jane 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: As we know, 90% of brain development happens in the first five years of life. When I was four years old, I went to the eye doctor and learned I was legally blind in my left eye. However, I was told if I wore an eye patch on my right eye, it would strengthen my left eye and I would have close to 20/20 vision with glasses on. I was lucky we caught it when we did, because once the optic nerve is fully developed after age five, an eye patch would no longer be effective. This is a perfect example of why early intervention is so extremely important. If my mother never would have taken me to the eye doctor when she did, I may not have had the opportunity to correct my vision, and it would have impacted the rest of my life. The first years of life are crucial in so many ways, and it’s imperative that all children and their caregivers are given the resources and the opportunity to have a solid foundation in their first few years, because that can make all the difference for the rest of their lives.
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: The best piece of advice I have received is to never stop learning. I try to remember to look at every interaction, mistake, or experience as a way to learn something and grow from it!
Q: What’s your word for 2025?
A: Seek. This year I want to seek out all the things that can help me grow as a person personally and professionally- new connections, answers to questions and problems, or opportunities to experience new things and challenge myself!
Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing?
A: I enjoy traveling, baking and tending to my many plants. I recently have started learning how to refurbish some of my antique furniture! I also love hanging out with my cats at home and enjoy a good board game night!
Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers.
A: My vision for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers is that the tools and resources for a healthy start are accessible to everyone, and that the access makes everyone’s lives easier to thrive.
