Staff Spotlight: Jacob Oates

What drives the people behind the work? In this staff spotlight, Groundwork Ohio’s Director of Programming and Impact shares how their experience in child care continues to shape their commitment to strengthening the early childhood workforce and supporting families across Ohio.

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

A. Director of Programming and Impact, ALMOST 2 years – 20 months to be exact.

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

A. I worked in the child care field prior to coming to Groundwork Ohio. I got to see what made running and operating care so difficult for providers from a ground level perspective. I also felt and saw the emotional and physical effort that caregivers give to support and love children ages 0-5, with little to no recognition or livable compensation.

As the next step in doing important work for families and caregivers of young children, I was drawn to Groundwork Ohio’s mission and values. I wanted to better help the lives and efforts of those that impact the lives of young children and families. Now in my role at Groundwork Ohio, I get to live out my “why” everyday and work towards getting Ohio to better support its early childhood workforce.

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

A. Supportive and engaging. Whether it is internally with my coworkers or externally with partners, we actively try to support each other’s efforts and engage with the work we are trying to do.

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

A. I’ve learned that families and communities are eager to use their voices to advocate for themselves and others. Although engaging with legislators can feel intimidating, that challenge rarely stands in the way of their determination to share their stories and make their voices heard.

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

A. I dedicate time to be with family and friends but also make sure I have time for myself to decompress, read, and just sit by myself and breathe. If I am not taking care of myself, then I am not able to put the best version of “me” out into the world.

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

A. I play a handful of board games and online games with my friends in other states. It is a fun and engaging hobby, and makes staying connected to distant friends easier.

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

A. Skyline Chili. Growing up in Cincinnati, it was a part of my weekly diet. It has a special place not only in my heart, but in my blood stream at this point.

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

A. My soccer coach in high school. He inspired leadership within me and my teammates and mentored us to have high character and integrity. I still carry his words and teachings with me today.

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

A. Traveling the state and meeting people from across Ohio during our Roadshows in 2024. It provided perspective to Ohio’s landscape and what people are saying is and isn’t working in their spaces.