Thank you to all who joined OWIG for our June Networking Event with the Ohio Craft Brewers Association and Seventh Son Brewing. We tried some outstanding brews and learned more about the successes and challenges women face in the craft brewing industry.
Special thanks to Mary MacDonald, Executive Director of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association and Jen Burton of Seventh Son for sharing their stories.
Mandi Grandjean
Home town: North Canton, Ohio
Place of Work: Bricker & Eckler
Tenure at Current Place of Work: 3 years
OWIG Involvement: member for 2 years, member of the Steering Committee for 1 year
Mandi’s nominator calls her a “giver” and willing to “go above and beyond, despite her plate being full.” She is described as incredibly competent, warm and unafraid to encourage others around her to strive for more and better, constantly looking to lift up other women and achieve progress for women in state government.
While only two years out of law school, Mandi has not taken long to establish a reputation for herself as a hardworking and dedicated attorney on Cap Square. She is driven daily by the desire to support her clients and colleagues, all while trying to make a positive impact on the legal profession and public policy field more broadly. A self-proclaimed nerd at heart, Mandi’s favorite part of her job is being able to write and research the law, but she also finds enjoyment in the ability to engage with such a wide variety of people in the course of her job. She speaks highly of the other government affairs professionals in the Columbus area, and has formed great friendships with many of them through her involvement in the Jo Ann Davidson Leadership Institute.
Mandi cites her time at OSU’s Moritz College of Law as the defining moment in her career thus far, as it opened many doors for her personally and professionally. While at OSU, she was elected President of the Public Interest Law Foundation, and she retains an interest in service to this day through her role as a member of the young professionals board of the Homeless Families Foundation. She is also involved in the Miami University Pre-Law Alumni Advisory Board, the Ohio Bar Association and Ohio Women’s Bar Association. A proponent of the “work hard, play hard” mantra, Mandi shares the following advice with fellow OWIG members: “Spread light, not darkness, and remember to take care of yourself so that you’re able to take care of others.”
Longtime OWIG Member and Ohio Art's Council's Riffe Gallery Director, Mary Gray, has been working tirelessly to put on a remarkable exhibit featuring Ohio women in the arts.
Women to Watch Ohio – 2018 showcases the work of 10 Ohio women working with metal through sculpture, installation, jewelry, and two-dimensional works. The exhibition is developed in collaboration with the Ohio Advisory Group of the National Museum of Women in the Arts and is curated by Ann Bremner and Matt Distel.
The exhibition features artists Mary Jo Bole (Columbus), Carol Boram-Hays (Columbus), Carmel Buckley (Cincinnati), Susan Ewing (Oxford),Tracy Featherstone (Hamilton), Llewelynn Fletcher (Cincinnati), Leila Khoury (Cleveland), Kelly Malec-Kosak (Columbus), Marissa Saneholtz(Bowling Green), and Olga Ziemska (Cleveland).
The exhibition references an international Women to Watch exhibition held every two to three years in Washington D.C. at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, with the support of outreach affiliates and museum curators around the world. This is the second Women to Watch Ohio exhibition initiated by the Ohio Advisory Group and the first to encompass mid-Ohio as well as the northeast and southwest regions of the state.
Click here for more information about Women to Watch Ohio - 2018.
Established on March 17, 1989, the Ohio Art Council's Riffe Gallery showcases the work of Ohio's artists and the collections of the state's museums and galleries. Inspiring art, engaging people, creating connections. Where art and people mix. The Riffe Gallery is located at 77 S. High Street, on the first floor of the Vern Riffe Center for the Government and the Arts, across from the Statehouse, in Downtown Columbus.
Xenia Palus
Xenia consistently offers much of her time and ideas to OWIG as an active member of the Steering Committee. Her vibrant personality is a well-loved staple at all committee meetings
Place of Birth: Western Michigan
Place of Work: Franklin County Clerk of Courts, Communications Director
Tenure at Current Place of Work: 10 years
OWIG Involvement: Member for 2 years, member of the Steering Committee for 2 years
With a rolodex of over 5,000 contacts, many will consider Xenia to be one of the most well-connected women in county government. And to what does she attribute this impressive accomplishment? Two things she holds dear: years of intentional collaboration and focused networking, much of which occurred during the nine years she spent as Membership Director at Experience Columbus. But her honesty was what ultimately allowed her to step into this pivotal role. When she was working for the City of Columbus, Xenia was the only person with the courage to report a payroll inconsistency she observed to the City Auditor. Her commitment to good government resulted in a $1 million returned payment, and brought her lasting respect from the Auditor. From that experience, she adopted an enduring practice of questioning things, and never being afraid to do so, even if just to gain more information.
Xenia also found a core tenet she lives by to this day: “Say what I mean and mean what I say (but NOT be mean saying it).” Those who know Xenia will also affirm that she lives by a true drive to help produce the greater good, as evidenced by her strong commitment to public service. In her words: “To be a public servant and to embrace my role in government is critically important in 2018. If I’m successful, then GOVERNMENT is working and doing its best for those served.”
Outside of work, Xenia serves as Vice President of Shadowbox Live and President of Thurber House, a nonprofit literary arts center. She also enjoys gardening at her home in Northwood Park Historic District, and welcomes any OWIG member to stop by any time for a personal tour and history lesson!
Today, OWIG hosted State Representatives Sarah LaTourette and Emilia Sykes for a conversation about leadership in the Ohio House of Representatives and female candidate recruitment. Members and guests enjoyed a candid conversation about the challenges and opportunities these outstanding leaders face in their roles as public servants. Thank you for a fantastic OWIG House Leadership Lunch!
A special thank you to Bricker & Eckler for kindly sharing their beautiful space with our members and guests.
Representatives Emilia Sykes and Sarah LaTourette share their experiences in public service.
Asha Ahmed
OWIG Member of the Month
Name: Asha Ahmed
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Place of Work: Ohio House of Representatives
Tenure at Current Place of Work: 1.5 years
OWIG Involvement: Member for 1.5 years, member of the Steering Committee
The one defining moment Asha cites as the catalyst that changed the trajectory of her career was the election of the nation’s first black president, Barack Obama.
Seeing that achievement in her life inspired her to pursue her love of politics and public service, both professionally and personally. She became the Legislative Aide to State Rep. David Leland and deepened her involvement in the political aspects of community engagement as an advocate for the Somali community. In her work at the Statehouse, Asha is constantly reminded of why politics is so important: it influences every aspect of our daily lives. Channeling that knowledge into a motivation to serve, she ended up as an Executive Board Member of Somali Political Action Group, which aims to empower a new generation of Somali leaders and promote their participation in local politics and issue advocacy. The work gives her an opportunity to remind others that there is a seat at the table for them too, just as former President Obama’s election did for her. She views OWIG as a similar channel for participation, noting that she feels her involvement with the organization has opened doors for her by introducing her to new people and presenting her with engaging and educational professional opportunities.
I think it’s safe to say we’re just as delighted to have you as a part of our group, Asha!
OWIG members met with a fantastic group of young women from the Metro Early College Middle School Ruling our Experiences (ROX) group. Diane Alecusan, Emma Cardone, Julia Wynn, Carolyn Mangas and Andrea Harless volunteered their morning to speak with 15 middle school girls about their careers working in government. ROX members learned about the confidence, assertive communication, and leadership skills OWIG members demonstrate every day.
About ROX: ROX is a non-profit organization committed to the health, safety, education, and empowerment of girls. Our group addresses social, personal, and academic issues, including self-esteem, body image, navigating friendships and relationships, learning safety and self-defense, and becoming leaders.
Ohio Women in Government hosted a Capitol Square morning meet up in honor of International Women's Day. OWIG members, colleagues, and friends gathered to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women in Ohio and across the globe.
Join fellow OWIG Members for a casual morning meet-up in celebration of International Women's Day! Meet other women working in and with Ohio government while, raising awareness of the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women.
OWIG will have tables reserved for meeting and mingling inside Einsteins Bros Bagels. Bagels and coffee are available for purchase from Einsteins.
**Wear purple and have your business card entered for complimentary registration to OWIG's upcoming luncheon!
Amanda Sines
OWIG Member of the Month
Name: Amanda Sines
Hometown: Perry, Ohio
Place of Work: Government Advantage Group
Tenure at Current Place of Work: 2.5 years
OWIG Involvement: Member for 2 years
As members of Ohio Women in Government, we all hope to have female role models to mentor and inspire us. Amanda was lucky enough to find one in her first private sector job early on in her career.
Her boss Carolyn Towner was one of the first female lobbyists in Ohio and taught her the importance of honesty and diligence. But when Carolyn retired, Amanda found herself at a catalyst moment, excited for change but a bit unsure as to what her next path should be. In the end, after a year of owning her own business, she became a Partner at Government Advantage Group, where she is motivated daily by the wide array of clients she serves so dutifully. Her professional joy comes from being able to give a voice to her clients and work on public policy at the Statehouse that helps progress their positive agendas, which she believes helps move Ohio forward.
Amanda considers the Statehouse to be a special professional community and greatly values the diversity of people she is able to interact with there that she may not have otherwise been able to meet. It is no surprise then that she volunteers her time as Vice President of the Ohio Lobbying Association, an organization that advocates for those who interact with the Statehouse the most. She also volunteers for the planning committee of YMCA’s Youth & Government Family Feud event and, outside of cap square, serves as Secretary of her Home Owners Association. Amanda feels right at home in OWIG’s network, as she lives by the belief that it is always better to build someone up than tear them down. OWIG, to her, is a great way to advance that mission.
OWIG was proud to support the Women of POWER Networking Reception, February 20th at the Capital Club. The fundraising reception attracted over 250 attendees supporting the mission to educate and empower women in our community.
Women of Power contributions will benefit the John Glenn College of Public Affairs nonpartisan leadership programs that educate and empower Ohio women ready to run for political office and be leaders in their communities.
We were thrilled to see OWIG Vice President Stephanie Megas featured in the program and to have so many OWIG members able to attend.
Nikki Reiss
OWIG Member of the Month
Name: Nikki Reiss
Hometown: Sidney, Ohio
Place of Work: Carpenter Lipps & Leland
Tenure at Current Place of Work: just over 10 years
OWIG Involvement: member for 2 years, regular event attendee prior to that
After over a decade at the same place of employment, Nikki still starts every day feeling fortunate to be doing a job she loves. Her position with the law firm of Carpenter Lipps & Leland allows her to engage on issues that align well with her personal beliefs while influencing policy to change people’s lives for the better.
She’s been involved in some very exciting fights over the course of her career, including planning a rally around Medicaid access for thousands of people in just one week, twice. If anyone asks, she clarified that this skill was not taught in any of her law school classes.
One of her favorite aspects of what she does is being a part of the collegial community of Cap Square, which includes women she praises as “strong, opinionated, ethical and hardworking.” The representation from many generations also allows for a unique sharing of wisdom that she feels can’t be found in the corporate world.
“When possible, be kind. It is always possible.”
Outside of work, Nikki is an avid fan of Star Wars and baseball. She also serves as the Vice President of Dress for Success and was instrumental in helping OWIG host a fundraiser for the professional support organization last year. The Board of Trustees for Alvis, a nonprofit serving recently incarcerated individuals and those with developmental disabilities, is also lucky to have her as its Vice President.
Not surprisingly, the altruism inherent in her community service aligns well with her personal motto for 2018: “When possible, be kind. It is always possible.”
OWIG has expanded its Member Feature Program into a monthly write-up, and we are opening up the process to nominations from current members. The Member of Month Feature is intended to provide an opportunity for OWIG to highlight members who are especially engaged in the work we are doing or have recently celebrated a professional accomplishment or milestone. Nominations will be accepted up until the 20th day of each month. We look forward to celebrating our fantastic members!
OWIG hosted a January Membership Kickoff event, January 25, 2018. Over 50 women working in or with Ohio government gathered at El Arepezo for after work refreshments to meet and learn about the mission of OWIG.
Ohio Women in Government hosted its Annual Meeting December 8, 2017, to celebrate the organization's success in 2017. OWIG was joined by members of the Columbus Women's Commission who shared a brief presentation of their accomplishments and vision for 2018. Below are excerpts from OWIG's year in review.
Membership Report
This past year was OWIG’s best yet in terms of membership engagement. We recruited a historic total of 93 paid members, a 230% increase over 2016. Our impressive membership rolls include state county & city employees, lobbyists, representatives from higher education, women in the nonprofit sector, city councilmembers, county-wide electeds, state representatives, and - after being keynote speaker at our 2017 kickoff event - Congresswoman Joyce Beatty.
OWIG was also excited to roll out its Member Feature program this year, which continues to provide an opportunity for us to highlight members who are especially engaged in the work we are doing or have recently celebrated a professional accomplishment.
Non-Profit Status
As of June 16, 2017, OWIG is a corporation recognized by the IRS as exempt from income tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).
With this designation, we are now permitted to solicit charitable donations from the public. The ability to fundraise will enhance OWIG’s ability to promote the educational development of women in Ohio government.
Education and Community Impact
OWIG members had access to a number of educational events throughout 2017, many of which supported other women in our community. We held a breakfast networking event at Bottoms Up Coffee in Franklinton in February, where we learned about and supported the social enterprise's mission of preventing infant mortality through providing workforce development and diapers for new moms. Women's leadership expert Julie Graber led a wage negotiation workshop for OWIG members in August at Bricker & Eckler. After learning about the unique challenges women face advocating for themselves in the workplace, we practiced our newly learned negotiating tools with one another.
In October, we partnered with Dress for Success Columbus for an educational Wine Night in support of their mission. The event registration fee was donated and members were encouraged to bring new or gently used clothing or accessories to donate. OWIG Steering Committee member and Dress for Success Board member, Nikki Reiss, shared information about DFS’ mission. We also enjoyed presentations by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor about their experiences as women in public office, with special opportunities for Q&A after each presentation.
Communication and Engagement
In 2017, OWIG relaunched our Facebook presence and launched a LinkedIn Company Page and members-only group. We have grown our social media follower base by over 30% and amplified our ability to communicate with members.
OWIG looks forward to a successful 2018.
