Momentum 2025 Brings Together Ohio Leaders to Advance Early Childhood Advocacy and Honor Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine
- Groundwork Ohio
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
Warren County Commissioner Shannon Jones, Governor Mike DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine and Groundwork Ohio President & CEO Lynanne Gutierrez
More than 200 early childhood professionals, family advocates, and community leaders gathered in Dublin on October 23, 2025 for Groundwork Ohio’s annual Movement Building Institute—Momentum: Writing the Next Chapter for Ohio’s Youngest Children. The event brought together diverse voices to reflect, learn, and take collective action toward advancing opportunity, equity, and support for Ohio’s youngest children and their families.
The morning began with a presentation from Robert Blizzard of UpONE Insights, who shared new polling data on Ohio’s political landscape and what voter sentiment may mean for the future of child- and family-centered policies. The newly released poll found that nearly 80% of Ohio voters and voters across the nation say the ability of working parents to find and afford quality child care is either in a “state of crisis” or is a “major problem.”
That conversation continued with “Writing Ohio’s Next Political Chapter: What the Future Holds,” a panel moderated by Brittany Boulton, Groundwork Ohio’s Vice President. Panelists Christie Angel (BroadView Talent Partners), Michael Hartley (Swing State Strategies), and Aaron Pickrell (Remington Road Group), offered insights into Ohio’s shifting political climate, possible gubernatorial contenders, and what those changes could mean for advancing early childhood policy.
Communications and media also took center stage during “Shaping the Story: Advocacy, Journalism, and Ohio’s Youngest Citizens.” Moderated by Sara Loken, Groundwork Ohio’s Managing Director of Communications, the conversation featured journalists Laura Bischoff (Gannett/USA Today Network), Laura Hancock (Cleveland.com & The Plain Dealer), and Karen Kasler (Statehouse News Bureau). Panelists discussed how they elevate early childhood issues through storytelling, particularly during an election year, and shared practical advice for advocates working to connect with the press.
In the afternoon, Caitlin Feldman, Groundwork’s Senior Director of Policy, hosted “This Moment Matters: Stories of Policy and Partnership,” featuring Joseph O’Hern (First Five Years Fund), Elisabeth Wright Burak (Georgetown University’s Center for Children & Families), and Rachel Hope Anderson (Hope & Consulting). Together, they highlighted how partnerships and advocacy are driving real change—from expanding access to child care and family supports to protecting vital programs like Medicaid and WIC.
Groundwork Ohio Senior Director of Community Relations Vanessa Butler then led attendees through a reflective exercise focused on identifying ways to continue and strengthen their commitment to early childhood advocacy.
The day concluded with Groundwork Ohio’s Movement Maker Awards, celebrating individuals and organizations leading the way for Ohio’s children.
Groundwork presented The Groundwork Champion Award to three partners whose leadership and collaboration have laid the foundation for lasting change:
County Commissioners’ Association of Ohio, accepted by Association President and Clermont County Commissioner David Painter.
Ohio Chamber of Commerce, accepted by Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Rick Carfagna.
Richland County Foundation Women’s Fund, accepted by Women's Fund Chair-Elect Amy Goyal and Chair Amy Hiner.
The Amplifier Award recognized the Ohio Head Start Association for its unwavering commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The Award was accepted by Executive Director Julie Stone.
The Spark Award celebrates emerging leaders who bring creativity and boldness to early childhood advocacy, and was presented to Maleka James of Dayton Children’s Hospital, and Whitney Gordon and Deanna Szente, members of Groundwork Ohio’s Family Action Network and passionate voices for young children and families across Ohio.
Finally, Groundwork Ohio was proud to honor Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine with the Belief in Every Child Award—recognizing the Governor and First Lady’s decades-long dedication to improving the health, education, and well-being of Ohio’s children. Former state legislator and current Warren County Commissioner Shannon Jones, also the founder of On Key Strategies, introduced Governor and First Lady DeWine and shared her experience supporting their steadfast service to children while Governor DeWine served in the United States Senate. Groundwork Ohio President & CEO Lynanne Gutierrez joined Governor DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine for a fireside chat reflecting on their enduring commitment to Ohio’s youngest children and families and their vision for making Ohio the best place to be a young child.
Throughout the event, one message resonated clearly: Groundwork Ohio and its partners remain committed to building momentum for the future. Together, we will continue to mobilize families, elevate their voices, hold policymakers accountable, and shape a brighter future for every Ohio child.
Thank you to all who joined us for this inspiring day of learning, connection, and action.
Visit www.groundworkohio.org/momentum to view speaker bios and see our full Momentum agenda.
Momentum 2025 Media Coverage
Governor and First Lady DeWine honored with Belief in Every Child Award - Portsmouth Daily Times
Richland County Foundation Women’s Fund honored with statewide award - Richland Source