Groundwork Ohio Staff Spotlight: Vanessa Butler

In this staff spotlight, we’re highlighting Groundwork Ohio’s Senior Director of Community Relations. With a leadership style rooted in equity, faith, and relationship-building, she works across sectors to advance policies that support Ohio’s youngest children and families. Get to know the passion and purpose behind her role.

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

A. I currently serve as the Senior Director of Community Relations at Groundwork Ohio. I actually rejoined the organization in October 2024 and previously served as a Policy Associate. Since my return, my work has focused on building and strengthening relationships across women leaders, the business community, family-serving organizations, and local policymakers to advance policy solutions that support Ohio’s youngest children and families.

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

A. My “why” is deeply rooted in equity, opportunity, and faith. I believe that the earliest years of a child’s life shapes everything that follows. Families deserve systems and support that work with them, not against them. Groundwork’s mission to center data, lived experiences, and policy advocacy felt like a natural alignment with how I believe change happens: through relationships, trust, and sustained investments in people. This purpose-driven work allows me to use my voice, skills and passion for the healthy development of human beings to help build systems that better serve children and families across Ohio.

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

A. No two days look exactly the same, which I love. My days often include meeting with partners across the state, planning coalition discussions or webinars, or thinking strategically about how we engage stakeholders in meaningful ways. A big part of my role is connecting dots: between people, ideas, and opportunities for impact.

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

A. I’m especially proud of leading the relaunch of Groundwork Ohio’s Amplified Podcast: Reloaded, as well as building out engagement strategies for our Women’s Coalition. Creating spaces where people feel informed, empowered, and invited to join our advocacy movement has been beyond meaningful.

Q.  How would you describe the culture at Groundwork Ohio?

A. I continue to be amazed by each member of our team and their ability to exercise their own gifts and skills within their respective roles. Our organization is collaborative (internally and externally), inspiring, and embodies servant-leadership.

Q.  What’s one thing you’ve learned from the families or communities we serve?

A. I continue to be reminded that families are experts on their own lives. When we listen with humility and create space for families to lead, the solutions that emerge are stronger, more relevant, and more sustainable.

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

A. I stay grounded through my faith, reflection, and being present where I am. I value quiet moments, journaling, going on long walks, and nourishing conversations with people who know me well. Rest and boundaries are practices I continue to grow into.

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

A. I absolutely love watching documentaries and podcast episodes, especially those centered on history and pop culture.

Q.  What’s your favorite type of food or go-to meal?

A. A chicken bowl with chips from Chipotle. Hands-down.

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

A. During my senior year of high school, I sang the National Anthem for our assembly with surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Q.  If you could describe your role in three words, what would they be?

A. Relational. Strategic. Purpose-driven.