February 2025

February was a month of action, collaboration, and community engagement. From honoring Black leaders to planning for Juneteenth, I’ve been working to ensure our city is inclusive, vibrant, and forward-moving. Here’s what I’ve been up to!

Connect With Me

Join me for a casual community meet-up! Let’s chat about local issues, upcoming initiatives, or anything on your mind.

April 12, 2025

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

The Bibliophile Candle Co, 5454 N Hamilton Rd Suite B, Columbus, OH 43230

Getting to Work

Highlights of Actions, Projects, and Initiatives

Led the presentation of a joint resolution to Jewel Woods, Founder and Clinical Director of Male Behavioral Health, recognizing his contributions to mental health advocacy in honor of Black History Month.
Attended a GJPS Ambassadors meeting, where we discussed the impact of state and national legislation on our district.
Juneteenth planning: facilitated committee meetings, continued sourcing talent and vendors, and met with Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce board members to explore collaboration opportunities.
Met with Melanie Hill, Director of Data Analysis at United Way, to discuss ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data in Gahanna. She will present more broadly at an upcoming council meeting.
From Classroom to Careers, a collaboration between GJPS, One Columbus, and the City of Gahanna, gave me the opportunity to learn about industries booming in the region and career pathways that serve as alternatives to college.
Met with Councilmembers Bowers and Weaver to discuss interest in housing legislation and opportunities to ensure affordability and accessibility in our community.

A group of seven people stands in a government meeting room, posing for a photo in front of a wooden council desk with nameplates. Behind them, two Ohio state flags, two American flags, and a dark blue city flag are displayed. The group consists of four women and three men, all dressed in business or business-casual attire. One man in the center holds a framed document, indicating a formal recognition or proclamation. The individuals are diverse in age, gender, and ethnicity, with expressions of pride and celebration.

Council & Mayor present a joint resolution & proclamation to Jewel Woods

Resident communication topics included:

Inquiry regarding Black History Month recognition and celebration efforts in Gahanna
Ensuring that refugees and immigrants feel safe, welcome, and able to thrive in our community
Local small business owner’s inquiry about community outreach and event planning
Residential fence permitting rules and regulations

A classroom setting where a group of children sits cross-legged on the floor, attentively listening to a discussion. In the foreground, three individuals—two children and an adult—are seated in chairs, engaged in conversation. The adult, a woman wearing a dark-colored outfit with a name tag, is speaking, while the two children, one in a red hoodie and the other in an orange hoodie, are listening with papers in hand. A teacher or facilitator, dressed in a light-colored cardigan and a headband, stands in the background, smiling as she observes the interaction. The walls are decorated with student work, posters, and colorful hanging folders.

Coucilwoman Jones speaks with students in honor of Black History Month

About Town

Recap of community events and activities

2/1: Diaspora Voices of an Ever-Changing America, an important conversation on identity and culture created and performed by GLHS students

2/2: Walk for Women hosted by Council President Bowers, Visit Gahanna, and the Gahanna Police Department

2/12: Guest speaker at a Galentine’s event hosted by The Matriots, sharing insights on women’s leadership

2/20: Black History Month guest speaker at Tussing Elementary, where I spoke with students about the importance of honoring history and advocating for change

2/22: Delta Sigma Theta Founders Day Luncheon, supporting scholarships and celebrating the legacy of service

2/22: Gahanna Gala, the annual fundraiser hosted by the Gahanna Jefferson Foundation in support of our local schools

2/27: OhioMBE Procurement Fair & Small Business Success Summit hosted by the City of Gahanna, where I connected with small business owners and learned more about opportunities for minority entrepreneurs

Three people pose together at an event, smiling at the camera. The person on the left, a man with glasses, is wearing a black T-shirt with gold lettering that reads 'GLHS Alumni Musical' and '42nd Street' along with the event dates. The person in the center, a woman wearing a blue Gahanna Lions shirt, stands behind the other two with her hands resting on their shoulders. The person on the right, a woman with short gray hair, is wearing a gray and blue 'Lions Gahanna' shirt with a black and silver jacket. The background is softly blurred, showing other event attendees and decorations in blue and gold

Concilmembers Weaver, Jones, & Bowers attend the Gahanna Gala.

In the Know

Stay informed about what's happening in our community

Subscribe to periodic email updates from me and other city communications.
Attend meetings. Regular Council meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a City holiday). Committee of the Whole meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays. Both meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.
Receive agendas for council and board/commission meetings via email.
Watch online. All council and board/commission meetings are streamed lived via the city's Youtube page.

Working with and for you to champion inclusion, access, and a thriving Gahanna for all!