Groundwork Ohio Staff Spotlight: Dominique Johnson

Meet Dominique Johnson—a dedicated Policy Associate at Groundwork Ohio. Dominique’s personal journey to motherhood fuels her passion for advocacy, from elevating policies that support moms and children statewide to championing Stillbirth Prevention Day in Ohio. Her lived experience, leadership, and commitment inspire her work to build a brighter future for families across the state.

Q. What’s your role at Groundwork Ohio?

A. I serve as a Policy Associate for Maternal and Child Health, and I also help coordinate our Safe Babies work here in Ohio.

Q. What drew you to this work and to Groundwork’s mission? What’s your “why”?

A. I like to say this work found me. My own journey to motherhood was difficult, and after making it through, I promised myself that if I could help even one mom avoid my same experience, I would. I began as a parent board member with Queens Village, a women-led organization focused on addressing the disproportionately high Black infant mortality rate. What started as volunteer work quickly became my passion, and eventually led me to Groundwork, where I now get to help shape policies that support women and children across the entire state, not just in my own community.

Q. What’s a project or accomplishment you’re especially proud of?

A. I’m especially proud of being able to testify in support of Stillbirth Prevention Day in Ohio. My motherhood journey began with the heartbreaking loss of my daughter to stillbirth. Speaking publicly about that loss, and advocating for a day of recognition and education, was deeply meaningful. Knowing that September 19 is now recognized as Stillbirth Prevention Day in Ohio gives my daughter’s short life purpose and may help save others.

Q. How do you stay grounded or take care of yourself outside of work?

A. I stay grounded thanks to my incredible family. Their support gives me the peace of mind to know my son is always cared for, which allows me to give my best at work. They also encourage me to keep pushing myself and growing, both personally and professionally.

Q. What do you like to do in your free time?

A. I love shopping, especially thrifting! Over the past few years, I’ve come to enjoy the “treasure hunt” of finding something special that others may have overlooked. It’s both exciting and calming, the perfect way to reset when the world feels chaotic.

Q. What’s a fun fact your coworkers might not know about you?

A. Because of my love for shopping, I’ve also developed a passion for gifting, what I like to call “the art of gifting.” I believe a gift isn’t just about the item itself, but also the occasion and the way it’s given. That passion inspired me to start my own small business, Relationship Concierge, where I help people pick meaningful gifts for every relationship in their life.

Q. Who is someone—inside or outside of work—who inspires your leadership?

A. Two of my biggest inspirations are my cousins, Yammah and Deddeh. Watching them excel in their careers, one as a COO of a major organization, the other running her own successful chiropractic practice, showed me what’s possible when women lead with both strength and heart. They inspired me to pursue higher education, to think intentionally about the kind of mother I want to be, and to show up in my work as a true expert for moms and kids in Ohio.

Q. What’s your favorite memory or moment from working at Groundwork so far?

A. My favorite memory so far has to be our team outing to Top Golf. Coming right after my first budget season, which was overwhelming, with both wins and losses, it was so refreshing to step away, laugh, and bond with my colleagues. That day reminded me that even when the work feels heavy, we have each other to lean on. I left knowing I was in the right place, with the right people, and that together we could accomplish great things.