Groundwork Ohio Staff Spotlight: Sara Loken

Q. What’s your role at Groundwork Ohio, and how long have you been on the team?

A. As Managing Director of Communications, I work with our communications team to oversee the development, strategy, and execution of all communications outreach. I joined the organization a year-and-a-half ago and my focus has been to raise Groundwork Ohio’s profile statewide, ensuring that our mission and brand are consistently reflected in our public outreach and advocacy efforts.

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

A. After more than 25 years working on homelessness and housing insecurity, transitioning to Groundwork Ohio has given me an opportunity to tackle systemic inequities at their roots. Advocating for equity for young children is particularly compelling because it offers the opportunity to address barriers early that impact a person's ability to live healthier and more successful lives from the start.

Q. What does a typical day look like for you in your role?

A. No two days are alike but on a typical day you’ll find me designing an advocacy campaign, publishing our latest research, writing a press release, editing a newsletter, preparing a presentation, engaging in strategy with the leadership team, and supporting the communications team in executing on our editorial calendar and dreaming up new ways to inspire our audiences to take action on behalf of Ohio kids and families.

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

A. I’m proud that we have expanded our advocacy work to include nonpartisan voter engagement. Our Vote Baby Vote campaign is helping to ensure that families, caregivers, early childhood professionals, and community members are registered and ready to vote in Ohio’s primary and general elections.

Policies that impact young children are shaped by the leaders we elect. Young children can’t vote—but the adults who care for them can.

Q. What’s been a defining moment for you during your time at Groundwork?

A. It was a defining moment to work on our impact report, Turning the Page, published in fall 2025. Gathering impact data about the coalitions we built, the advocates who rallied, the growth of Groundwork’s network – and the ways this work helped shape Ohio’s budget for FY 2026-2027 – helped me see and feel the meaningful progress we are making for Ohio’s youngest children.

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

A. I stay grounded by checking in with myself about my values. When things feel well-aligned, I am strengthened in my clarity and purpose. When things feel misaligned, I know I need to talk it over with someone I trust – that’s the fastest way back to center.

And I practice a regular exercise routine with my sister that includes strength training. I love the way it makes me feel and the endurance I’ve gained, but the most surprising benefit is the boost to my mental health.

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

A. When I’m not working, you’ll find me spending time with the people I love. My adult children and their father and I take turns hosting weekly family dinners where bonus moms/dads/kids are included. What began as a simple, intentional way to stay connected as a family after divorce has grown into something bigger and more beautiful – it represents the best of each of us and is the brightest spot of my week.

I also spend time every week with my lifelong best friends, and I delight in date nights as well as quiet time at home with my amazing husband.