The Community's Conversation

Bioscience breakthroughs are transforming lives in Central Ohio. From cutting-edge gene therapies to world-first medical devices, the region's life sciences sector is booming—and saving lives. This week's Columbus Metropolitan Club forum brings together scientific leaders and business innovators to explore how research, investment, and clinical development are coming together to power the next generation of healthcare innovation.  Featuring:  Dr. Frank Agbogbo, Vice President of Process Development, Forge Biologics  Dr. Erandi De Silva, Investment Partner, Drive Capital  Dr. Louise Rodino-Klapac, Executive Vice President, Head of R&D, and Chief Scientific Officer, Sarepta  Robin Sears, President and CEO, LENTECHS  The host is Tyler Allchin, Managing Director, Healthcare, JobsOhio This forum was created in partnership with the 2025 COSI Science Festival, and was sponsored by: Armatus Bio, Battelle, Holder Construction, Ohio Life Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and Sarepta. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. Our livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on April 30, 2025. 

Jane Scott Legacy in Civic Engagement Forum Celebrating Community Leaders If “The Columbus Way” were a river, its source might just be The Columbus Partnership. In this one-on-one conversation, the Partnership's new President and CEO Jason Hall shares his vision for the influential coalition of regional CEOs. As Columbus grows, so does the importance of collaborative leadership—and Hall's next steps could help shape the future of Central Ohio's economy, equity, and civic identity. Featuring: Jason Hall, President and CEO, The Columbus Partnership The host is Sophia Fifner, President and CEO, The Columbus Metropolitan Club The forum's presenting sponsor was Nationwide. This forum was also sponsored by The Columbus Landmarks Foundation, The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Encova Insurance, The Edwards Companies, Huntington, Smoot Construction, and The United Way of Central Ohio. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by The Ellis.

What does the Federal Reserve actually do—and why should it matter to Central Ohioans? Beth Hammack, the new president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, sits down with CMC to explain her role, how the Fed operates, and how it impacts your paycheck, your mortgage, and our regional economy. Featuring: Beth Hammack, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.  The host is award-winning news anchor Clay Gordon. This forum was sponsored by Homeport. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.  This forum was also supported by The Ellis.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on April 16, 2025. 

Columbus appears to be on track to keep an important promise: The Columbus Promise. The innovative education partnership launched in 2021 with the goal of sending more Columbus City School graduates to college, boosting their own life trajectories and helping Central Ohio supercharge its workforce. The Columbus Promise lets any graduate of Columbus City Schools attend Columbus State Community College at no cost for six semesters and provides a $500 stipend each semester plus academic support.  Now the Promise is no longer just a pilot. The program's key partners – the City of Columbus, Columbus City Schools, I Know I Can, and Columbus State – and an array of private backers – have all recently recommitted to launching a new phase of the program, with more than half of a new $25 million goal already raised.  With a panel of leaders, we unpack the Columbus Promise, explore its origins and impact, and get an inside look at what happens next. Featuring Dr. Angela Chapman, Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools Janelle Coleman, Vice President, Community Engagement & Corporate Philanthropy and President, AEP Foundation Shannon Hardin, President, Columbus City Council  Dr. Desiree Polk-Bland, Senior Vice President for Student Success, Columbus State Community College The moderator is Colleen Marshall, News Anchor, NBC4, and host of "NBC4's The Spectrum." This presenting sponsor of this forum was The Columbus Foundation. This forum was also sponsored by Cardinal Health and American Electric Power. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on April 9, 2025.

BIG things are happening in Central Ohio! With top leaders, we dig into some of the BIGGEST construction and development projects happening right now in our region, including the new $2B Columbus Airport terminal, the $200M reimagining of the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, defense contractor Anduril's just-announced state-of-the-art plant, and the highway and transportation systems that will tie it all together. We explore where big ideas come from, and the partnerships and workforce that's essential to turn big dreams into tomorrow's Central Ohio reality.  Featuring:  Pamela Boratyn, Director, The Ohio Department of Transportation Connor Brogan, Arsenal-1 Project Leader, Anduril Matt Kunz, Vice President and Columbus General Manager, Turner Construction  And Joseph Nardone, President & CEO, The Columbus Regional Airport Authority  The host is Angela An, News Anchor, WBNS 10TV. This forum was sponsored by Barton Malow, The Columbus Regional Airport Authority, HNTB, Public Sector Consulting, and Turner Construction.  The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on April 2, 2025.  

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's new proposed $218 billion two-year state budget promises to completely fund the state's public education system, to deliver a tax credit for parents with minimum-wage jobs, and provides higher funding for children's services, including childcare, literacy, and vision programs. With the Governor's proposal in hand, Ohio lawmakers now have until July 1, 2025 to shape the budget and return it to the Governor's desk. CMC welcomes Ohio Governor Mike DeWine for an in-depth conversation on his proposed budget and his priorities for the state. Featuring:  Governor Mike DeWine, State of Ohio  The host is Jo Ingles, Journalist & Producer, Statehouse News Bureau.  This forum was sponsored by The United Way of Central Ohio, The Ohio Farm Bureau, The Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Public Sector Consulting, Ian Alexander Photography, HNTB, and Smoot Construction. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by The Ellis.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on March 26, 2025. 

Ohio's energy demand is set to skyrocket with the rise of data centers, electric vehicles, and the shutdown of aging power plants. Can the state's power generation keep pace, or will electricity shortages hinder Ohio's growth? Major tech companies are establishing data centers in central Ohio, consuming a growing portion of the state's power supply to support consumers and power-intensive technologies like AI. Additionally, the retirement of some fossil-fuel power plants and the unpredictability of renewable sources like wind and solar add further pressure to Ohio's energy system. With industry leaders and experts, we explore the real “power play” essential for the state's economic growth. Featuring:  Ryan Augsburger, President, The Ohio Manufacturers' Association  Kenny McDonald, President & CEO, One Columbus  Janine Migden-Ostrander, Pace University Law School E   nergy & Climate Center, and Former Ohio Consumers' Counsel  Todd Snitchler, President & CEO, Electric Power Supply Association  The host is Bryant Petway, Construction Executive, ArchKey Solutions  This forum was sponsored by The Columbus Region. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.  This forum was also supported by The Ellis.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on March 19, 2025.   

Columbus is more than lucky: the city is home to a vast array of performing arts organizations that bring vibrancy, expression, and wonder to Ohio's state capital through theater, dance, ballet, live music performances, and more. Artists, venues, and companies abound, plus scores of associated programs that seek to inspire young people to learn about themselves by exploring the world of performing arts. While audiences are filling events, funding remains a challenge, with uncertainties around public funding that are driving arts organizations to build innovative partnerships with each other and supporters. With Central Ohio's rising population, demand for the performing arts is expected to grow, and new venues to handle the growth are in the works: CAPA is raising $14 million to renovate an historic church on Third Street in downtown into a new multipurpose arts venue, while the Columbus Symphony last year unveiled plans for a breathtaking new 200,000-square-foot venue that would be the city's first purpose-built concert hall, and Shadowbox's Up Front Performance Space is also now newly-renovated. With representatives from key venues and organizations, we take stock of the state of performing arts in Columbus with industry leaders for a look behind the curtains. Featuring:  Daniel Walshaw, Chief Operating Officer, Columbus Symphony Chad Whittington, President and CEO, The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts Stacie Boord, CEO, Shadowbox Live Regina Ann Campbell, CEO, King Arts Complex The host is Jami Goldstein, Chief Creative Officer, The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC). This forum was sponsored by The Carol A. McGuire Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund and The Greater Columbus Arts Council.  The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.  This forum was also supported by The Ellis.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on March 12, 2025. 

In partnership with The Women's Fund of Central Ohio, this CMC forum unveils the latest research featuring new data on the critical resources that women in Central Ohio need – and often lack – to build wealth. Women face distinct hurdles in accumulating personal wealth, and the implications are huge: according to the Federal Reserve, closing gender and racial wealth gaps could have expanded Ohio's GDP by a staggering $67 billion from 2005 to 2019. Despite women's substantial contribution to Central Ohio's economy, disaggregated research has been lacking—until now. With a panel of passionate leaders, we discuss these fresh findings and shed light on how women in Central Ohio can overcome barriers to wealth creation. Featuring: Keena Smith, CEO, The Women's Center for Economic Opportunity Shannon Isom, President and CEO, Community Shelter Board Lisa Gray, Founding President, Ohio Excels And Alex Dorman, Research Fellow, The Center for Community Solutions The host is Courtney Falato, Vice President and Program Officer, Global Philanthropy, JPMorgan Chase & Co. This forum was sponsored by The Mary Lazarus Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund and JPMorgan Chase & Co. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by The Women's Fund of Central Ohio and Vue Columbus. This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in Columbus' historic Brewery District on March 5, 2025. Click here to read the subject of this forum, The Women's Fund of Central Ohio's recent research report, "Making Women Wealthy and Free."

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce and The Ohio Chamber of Commerce both help drive Ohio's economy. How do they collaborate to support businesses, and where do they see opportunities for growth in Central Ohio? This conversation explores the biggest challenges facing Ohio's business climate and the initiatives and partnerships needed to ensure a strong future for the region's employers, workers, and the broader economy. Featuring: Derrick Clay, President & CEO, The Columbus Chamber of Commerce Steve Stivers, President & CEO, The Ohio Chamber of Commerce The host is award-winning news anchor Clay Gordon. This forum was sponsored by The Columbus Chamber of Commerce and Huntington Bank. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on February 26, 2025.

This CMC forum features a 1:1 conversation with U.S Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, representing Ohio's Third Congressional District since 2013. We'll cover Congresswoman Beatty's legislative priorities and unpack current events in Washington for an in-depth look at the state of federal politics and U.S. democracy. Featuring:  Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, Third Ohio Congressional District, United States House of Representatives  The host is Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Statehouse News Bureau.  This forum was sponsored by The Robert Weiler Company. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by The Ellis.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on February 19, 2025. 

Looming federal budget cuts could mean significant reductions in safety-net services for Central Ohio's most vulnerable populations, including immigrants and refugees. How will these changes affect our communities, and how are local nonprofit leaders responding? Our expert panel explores what's at stake and what steps can be taken to mitigate the impact. Featuring: Dr. Seleshi Asfaw, President & CEO, Tewahedo Social Services Elizabeth Brown, President & CEO, YWCA Columbus Michael Corey, Executive Director, Human Service Chamber of Franklin County Shannon Hardin, President, Columbus City Council The host is Dr. Lisa Courtice, President and CEO, The United Way of Central Ohio. This forum was sponsored by Installed Building Products, Mollard Consulting, Nationwide, and The United Way of Central Ohio. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on February 12, 2025.

In Partnership with WOSU Public Media While there's growing focus on seniors and the care they need, far less attention is being paid to the family members who provide that care. According to AARP, in 2010, there were more than seven potential family caregivers for every person over 80; by 2030, that ratio will drop to 4:1, and by 2050, it will be less than 3:1. In Ohio alone, people caring for older relatives provide 1.4 billion hours of care each year—that's $21 billion in unpaid labor. Younger family members, often juggling their own lives, are the ones dispensing medications, preparing meals, driving loved ones to appointments, and sorting out the financial and legal matters of aging parents. Expanding Medicare to cover in-home care, giving tax credits for caregivers, and setting up a national paid family leave program could all help, but more solutions are needed. In partnership with WOSU Public Media's “Inside Caregiving” initiative, CMC welcomes a panel of leaders and advocates to explore how we'll care for the caregivers that older Central Ohioans will depend on. Featuring: Jennifer Carlson, State Director, AARP Ohio Katie White, Director, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Dr. Kathy D. Wright, Associate Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, The Ohio State University College of Nursing Chanda Wingo, Director, Franklin County Office on Aging The moderartor is Anthony Padgett, General Manager, WOSU Public Media. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. Our livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.  This forum was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on February 5, 2025.

Ohio's system of higher education is reinventing itself for a new era in the state's history. Will schools be ready?  Among the challenges, the number of U.S. high school graduates is expected to peak next year at about 3.5 million students before dropping 15% in the next four years, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, with profound implications for institutions of higher education.  Additionally, the needs of key Ohio employers are always accelerating, creating growing pressure on schools to produce workers ready to enter an ever-evolving workforce, especially in technology and healthcare-related professions. Schools are also creating new ways to ensure students stay housed, fed, and that childcare resources are available to keep students with families enrolled and moving toward graduation.  A college education remains a life-changing asset for graduates, with Axios reporting recent grads in 2023 ages 22-27 earned $24,000 more annually than their peers holding just a high school degree. With the help from our expert panelists, we explore how Ohio's higher education institutions are innovating to adapt to a changing educational and workforce landscape. Featuring panelists: Dr. John Comerford, President of Otterbein University Dr. David Harrison, President of Columbus State Community College Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, President of Central State University Dr. James Orr, Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Management at The Ohio State University The host is Sheridan Hendrix, Higher Education Reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was sponsored by Columbus State Community College, Grange Insurance, The Ohio State University, and Otterbein University. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on January 29, 2025.  

Optimal Health Series Central Ohio is growing rapidly, and the region's four major hospital systems are following suit. Each of Columbus' “Big Four” systems – OhioHealth, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Mount Carmel Health System, and Nationwide Children's Hospital – are expanding rapidly, constructing new facilities and scrambling to hire legions of qualified healthcare professionals. With the region's population expected to grow by 30% in the next 25 years, that may translate into 730,000 new residents – all of whom will require access to healthcare. Can Central Ohio's biggest healthcare players keep pace with demand? This forum features an extraordinary panel featuring the CEOs of all four of the region's major hospital systems for an in-depth exploration of the present and future of healthcare in Central Ohio. Featuring panelists: Dr. Stephen Markovich, President and Chief Executive Officer, OhioHealth Timothy Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, Nationwide Children's Hospital Dr. John Warner, Chief Executive Officer, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Executive Vice President, The Ohio State University Tauana McDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mount Carmel Health System The host is Greg Moody, Director of Professional Development and the State of Ohio Leadership Institute, John Glenn College of Public Affairs, The Ohio State University. The presenting sponsors of CMC's long-running Optimal Health Series are The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, OhioHealth, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. This forum was also sponsored by AstraZeneca, Cardinal Health, Fifth Third Bank, The Healthcare Career Collaborative of Central Ohio Powered by Aspyr, Mount Carmel Health System, and CK Construction. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Vue Columbus.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in Columbus, Ohio's historic Brewery District on January 22, 2025.

What was America's most popular housing market in 2024, according to Realtor.com? Look no further than Columbus, Ohio. Homes for sale in Central Ohio were racking up far more online views than the national average, indicating off-the-charts levels of interest in available properties in the region.  If it's been a few years since you sold a home in Central Ohio, you might be in for a shock the next time you plant a “for sale” sign in your yard, now that new rules have completely reshaped realtor commissions. If you're on the buying side, you'll need to be just as prepared for a housing market that's undergone profound changes since before the pandemic, with demand outpacing new construction and out-of-state “institutional” buyers with deep pockets outbidding families and snapping up investment properties.  Ths week, we navigate the new realities of buying and selling in Central Ohio's red-hot housing market. Featuring: Josh Barkan, Division Vice President, M/I Homes of Central Ohio Jon Melchi, Executive Director, Building Industry Association of Central Ohio Buffie Patterson, President, Columbus REALTORS® Board of Directors The host is Bonnie Meibers, Commercial Real Estate Reporter, Columbus Business First. This forum was sponsored by The Robert Weiler Company. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Vue Columbus. This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in the Brewery District on January 15, 2025.

The Atlantic Magazine recently awarded the US economy “superstar status” – calling it the “Taylor Swift” of global economies – for its robust sustained performance. Closer to home, Central Ohio's economy also appears to be roaring along, with the region leading the Buckeye State in growth. What's in store for Central Ohio's economy and our region in 2025? Hear what the year ahead looks like for Central Ohio's economy from a panel of leading experts at CMC's first program of 2025 and one of the year's most popular forums. Featuring: Dr. Joyce Chen, Professor of Economics in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, The Ohio State University Kathy Bostjancic, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Nationwide Mutual Dr. Bill LaFayette, Owner, Regionomics The host is Benjamin Lanka, Business Editor, The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was sponsored by Smoot Construction, Frost Brown Todd, The Columbus Region, Ian Alexander Photography, and PNC. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. Our livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was supported by Vue Columbus. This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in the Brewery District on January 8, 2025.

Can downtown retail make a comeback in Columbus? With a panel of downtown leaders and advocates, this forum explores efforts to re-energize retail downtown and examines what lies ahead for Columbus' urban core. Featuring: Nicholas J. Bankston, Columbus City Councilmember Amy Taylor, President, Downtown Columbus, Inc. Jim Merkel, CEO and Co-Founder, Rockbridge The host is Jessica Ralston, Anchor of Good Day Columbus on ABC6 and FOX28. This forum was sponsored by The Harrison Smith Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund, Downtown Columbus, Inc., The Edwards Companies, and Rockbridge. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream is The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner is The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on December 18, 2024.

Ohio's labor market remains incredibly tight, but Central Ohio organizations that are building strong cultures of belonging are attracting top talent from diverse backgrounds. Leading employers know from experience that cultivating a strong and authentic sense of belonging among employees can revolutionize recruitment, engagement, retention, productivity, and ROI, even with remote workers. Recent criticism around DEI in the workplace has sparked concerns that diversity, equity, and inclusion progress could stall, but many employers are not only not abandoning DEI initiatives but deepening them with strategic efforts to build a sense of belonging among employees. They're also ensuring the definition of diversity remains broad and embraces neurodivergent and physically impaired employees, elevating every voice. With a panel of passionate leaders, we'll explore the meaning and value of creating a culture of belonging in the contemporary workplace, and how it's helping key Central Ohio employees and employers to stay at the top of their games. Featuring: Daniel Juday, Founder + Facilitator, Space Creator LLC Dr. Tina Pierce, Chief of Strategy and Belonging, The Ohio State University Alumni Association Jennifer Robinson, Chief Human Resources Officer and Deputy Director, Ohio Department of Veterans Services The moderator is Margaret Finley, Head of DEI and Corporate Affairs, ADS, and President, Board of Directors, Central Ohio Diversity Consortium. This forum was sponsored by Advanced Drainage Systems, with additional support from Aspyr and The Central Ohio Workforce Development Network.  The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. Our livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on December 11, 2024. 

In 2023, Columbus saw nearly 24,000 eviction filings, marking a 12,000-case increase from the previous year. Early 2024 data shows this trend worsening, with evictions reaching a 20-year high in Franklin County. Across Ohio, landlords initiated almost 108,000 eviction cases in 2023 — the highest since 2015. A major driver behind the surge is sluggish wage growth, which isn't keeping pace with skyrocketing rents. The “housing wage” — what a worker needs to earn per hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment — rose 9% since last year. To afford such a home, full-time workers need an hourly wage of at least $20.81. In Columbus, however, this figure climbs even higher to $25.04 per hour. With a panel of regional leaders, CMC unpacks why evictions are climbing, the impact on communities when families lose their homes, and the strategies that advocates are leveraging to ensure more Central Ohio families stay housed. Featuring: Kate McGarvey, Executive Director, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio Shayla D. Favor, Columbus City Council Member and Franklin County Prosecutor-Elect Gene Edwards, Director of Legal Research and Magistrate, Franklin County Municipal Court, The moderator is Danae King, Underserved Communities Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was sponsored by The Community Shelter Board with support from The Columbus Dispatch. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on December 4, 2024.

For the first time since 2019, the all-new Columbus Foundation Community Benchmarking Report has measured how Central Ohio compares to more than 20 peer regions across more than 50 metrics and indices. Building on a decade of community tracking, this newest research across a range of metrics offers a clear window to understanding how Central Ohio stacks up to comparable metro areas and gives us one of the best snapshots of where our region finds itself on this side of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The findings dive deeply into five overall categories – population vitality, economic strength, personal prosperity, lifelong learning, and overall community wellbeing. In this second of two forums, we'll dive deep into the study's findings on Personal Prosperity, Lifelong Learning, and Overall Community Wellbeing, and explore what the data says about Central Ohio's future. The complete new report can be downloaded here. Featuring: J. Averi Frost, Freedom Equity Inc. and the Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce Dr. Gina Ginn, CEO, Columbus Early Learning Centers Matt Martin, Director of Community Research, The Columbus Foundation The moderator is Autumn Glover, Senior Vice President, Provider + Community Partnerships, AndHealth. The presenting sponsor of this two-part series was The Columbus Foundation. This forum was sponsored by The American Electric Power Foundation.  The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. Our livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.  This forum was also supported by The Ellis.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on November 20, 2024.

For the first time since 2019, the all-new Columbus Foundation Community Benchmarking Report has measured how Central Ohio compares to more than 20 peer regions across more than 50 metrics and indices. Building on more than a decade of community tracking, this newest research across a range of metrics offers a clear window to understanding how Central Ohio stacks up to comparable metro areas and gives us one of the best snapshots of where our region finds itself on this side of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The findings dive deeply into five overall categories – population vitality, economic strength, personal prosperity, lifelong learning, and overall community wellbeing.  In this first of two forums, we'll reflect on the results of the last benchmarking study in 2019 before diving deep into the findings of the first two categories: Population Vitality & Economic Strength – to see how Central Ohio measures up to its peers. The complete new report can be downloaded here. Featuring: Matt Martin, Director of Community Research, The Columbus Foundation Kenny McDonald, President and CEO, One Columbus Padmini Roy-Dixon, Economic Development Director & Regional Innovation Officer, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission The host is Doug Buchanan, Editor in Chief, Columbus Business First. This forum was sponsored by The Columbus Foundation. The presenting sponsor of CMC's livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.  It was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on November 13, 2024.  

This extraordinary and historic forum welcomes The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu as we gather following the election to reconcile and reflect on the common goal of preserving democracy, upholding justice, and to re-commit to listening to one another in good faith and with open minds and hearts. The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of Archbishop Desmond and Nomalizo Leah Tutu, knew from early in life that the one thing she would never be is a priest. She has always said, “I have my father's nose, I do not want his job” but life had other plans… After years spent as a development consultant, educator and race and gender activist she accepted her call to ordained ministry. The challenges of growing black and female in apartheid South Africa have been the foundation of Reverend Tutu's life as an activist for human rights. Those experiences taught her that our whole human family loses when we accept situations of oppression, and how the teaching and preaching of hate and division injure us all. Featuring The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu, Daughter of Archbishop Desmond and Nomalizo Leah Tutu, and Priest Associate, All Saint's Episcopal, Atlanta, Georgia, and with moderator Colleen Marshall, Anchor, NBC4. This forum was sponsored by Otterbein University and The Health Policy Institute of Ohio. It was supported by Urban Strings Columbus.  The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on November 6, 2024.

Optimal Health Series Central Ohio is home to global leaders in healthcare, but access to healthcare remains uneven in the region as it is for much of the country. What are the costs of uneven healthcare coverage to our region, and what are the factors that prevent many from getting the care they need? With a panel of passionate healthcare leaders, we dive into the true costs of uneven access to healthcare in Central Ohio and how the doors to quality healthcare can be opened for all. Featuring:  Dr. Chyke Doubeni, Chief Health Equity Officer, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center  Carrie Harris-Muller, Senior Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer, OhioHealth  Amy Rohling McGee, President, Health Policy Institute of Ohio  Kate Tullio, Associate Vice President for Health Equity, CareSource  The moderator is Angela Dawson, Executive Director, Ohio Commission on Minority Health The presenting sponsors of CMC's long-running Optimal Health Series are The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, OhioHealth, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. This forum was also sponsored by AstraZeneca and Cardinal Health.  The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was also supported by The Ellis.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on October 23, 2024.

With early voting already underway, Ohio voters are being asked to decide if a new approach to redrawing the state's electoral districts is necessary. At stake is potentially nothing less than the future control of Ohio's statewide legislative bodies. The nonprofit Citizens Not Politicians asserts that Ohio's current electoral districts are gerrymandered – or drawn unfairly to tilt the electoral playing field – and favors Republicans who currently control both the Ohio House and Senate, while Republican leaders have said no such unfairness exists and that the Democratic failure to secure more of Ohio's legislative seats is simply an accurate reflection of voter preference. If the proposed ballot initiative passes, control over drawing Ohio's electoral districts will pass from politicians to a new 15-member nonpartisan board. Will the state's voters agree that gerrymandering is an issue Ohio needs to solve with a fresh approach, or will the status quo win out? We unpack the future of Ohio's legislative districts and the stark choice the state's voters face this fall. Featuring: Kareem Crayton, Vice President, The Brennan Center for Justice Keith Faber, Ohio Auditor of State Maureen O'Connor, Former Chief Justice, The Supreme Court of Ohio  Bradley Smith, The Josiah H. Blackmore II / Shirley M. Nault Professor of Law, Capital University  The moderator is Jessie Balmert, State Government Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch | Gannett | USA Today Network.  This forum was sponsored by The Charles F. Kettering Foundation, The Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and The Ohio Debate Commission. Our forum partner was The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream and marketing partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by Vue Columbus.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in the Brewery District on October 16, 2024.

An erosion of LGBTQ+ rights seems to be the latest casualty of America's deepening polarization. This week's panel takes stock of the trajectory of LGBTQ+ rights and what the future may hold for LGBTQ+ Ohioans and their families. Featuring:  The Honorable Nickie J. Antonio, Ohio State Senate Democratic Leader  Karen Hewitt, Founder and CEO, K Hewitt Consulting, and Co-Founder and COO, The Ohio REST Collective Cam Ogden, Policy Manager, Equality Ohio  Ken Schneck, Editor, The Buckeye Flame  The moderator was Ronald Murray, Associate Director of Health Advocacy at Equitas Health, and Community Engagement Liaison, Stonewall Columbus.  This forum was sponsored by the Lynn Greer Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund Celebrating Inclusion & Equity for the LGBTQ Community, Huckleberry House, and Encova Insurance. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by Vue Columbus.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in the Brewery District on October 9, 2024

Could fresh thinking about philanthropy help save the lives of mothers and babies in Central Ohio? This panel explores how participatory grantmaking, trust-based philanthropy, and low-barrier funding promise to improve the lives of Central Ohio's mothers and babies. Featuring:  Isi Ikharebha Green, President, Physicians CareConnection  Kelley Griesmer, President and CEO, The Women's Fund of Central Ohio  Jill Miller, President and CEO, Bethesda Inc. and bi3  Danielle Tong, Executive Director, CelebrateOne  The moderator was Jennifer Bullock, Weekday Anchor, NBC4.  This forum was sponsored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.  The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by Vue Columbus.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in Columbus, Ohio's Brewery District on October 2, 2024.

What would Central Ohio's future look like with safe, affordable mixed-income neighborhoods as a part of everyday life? How much healthier, stronger, and more equitable would our region be?  For the most part, this is now just a dream for many central Ohioans. Our region is experiencing a severe housing shortage because we've built an average of only 8,000 housing units per year for more than a decade, while 20,000 units per year were needed to balance supply and demand. This caused the price of housing for both renters and buyers to increase by more than three times the increase in median income for both renters and homebuyers. Today, we examine the links connecting housing, health, and opportunity and spotlight the will to act that could open the gates to healthier outcomes for all. Featuring panelists:  Merisa Bowers, Council President & Member At-Large, Gahanna City Council  Michael B. Coleman, Former Mayor, City of Columbus, and Partner, Ice Miller   Dr. Craig Pollack, Katey Ayers Endowed Professor, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (including opening remarks) Kenneth L. Wright, Mayor & Council Member At-Large, City of Westerville The moderator was Darci Congrove, Managing Director, GBQ.  This forum was sponsored by The Robert Weiler Company and the Thanks Be To God Foundation.  The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by The Ellis and by Families Flourish.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on September 25, 2024.

Will an innovative new collaboration help Central Ohio attract and build the workforce it needs? The Central Ohio Workforce Development Network is a new large-scale collaborative between thirteen organizations that backers say will open a wide new pipeline funneling eager workers to employers. With a panel of employment advocates and regional leaders, we unpack this newest effort to keep Central Ohio's talent pool filled to the brim. Featuring: Toni Cunningham, President & CEO, Godman Guild  Lisa Divine, Manager, Learning and Development, Worthington Steel  Scott Johnson, Director, Central Ohio Workforce Development Network  The moderator is Bo Chilton, CEO, IMPACT Community Action.  This forum was sponsored by Accenture, Battelle, Otterbein University, Regionomics, and The United Way of Central Ohio.  The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by The Ellis and Aspyr.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on September 18, 2024.

According to Hunger Ohio, our state has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the country, with over 400,000 children across the state living in food-insecure households. What would it take to end hunger once and for all in Central Ohio? This forum brings together passionate experts to spotlight hunger in our midst and discuss actionable steps we can take together. Featuring: Matt Habash, President & CEO, Mid-Ohio Food Collective    Dr. Mysheika W. Roberts, Health Commissioner, Columbus Public Health    Dr. Carol Bradford, Dean of The Ohio State University School of Medicine and Vice President of Health Sciences, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center    Adam Troy, Executive Director, Community of Caring Development Foundation    The moderator was Michelle Brown, President & CEO, Children's Hunger Alliance.    This forum was sponsored by The Jeffrey Family Legacy Fund, Kroger, Nationwide, and The Osteopathic Heritage Foundation.    The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by The Ellis.    This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on September 11, 2024. 

In today's polarized landscape, can we still have constructive bipartisan dialogue, especially with a contentious election season underway? Are good-faith discussions across divides even possible in America's white-hot political climate? Our panelists say not only are they possible, they're essential if our democracy is to survive and thrive. By fostering respect and understanding – and most importantly, by truly listening to one another - we can still bridge gaps, collaborate, and succeed. Join us with an incredible panel of public servants who believe bipartisan dialogue in a democratic society is both possible and indispensable.  Featuring: Lee Fisher, Former Ohio Attorney General, and Dean and Joseph C. Hostetler-BakerHostetler Chair in Law, Cleveland State University College of Law Betty Montgomery, Former Ohio Attorney General, and Of Counsel, Mac Murray & Shuster Nancy Rogers, Former Ohio Attorney General, and Former Dean of the Executive Committee for the Divided Community Project, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law The moderator is Laurel Beatty Blunt, Judge, 10th District Court of Appeals, State of Ohio.    This forum was sponsored by The Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer Legacy Committee of the Ohio State Bar Association and Porter Wright Morris and Arthur.  The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.  It was supported by The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus and by The Ellis.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on September 4, 2024. 

Central Ohio's women face unique barriers compared to men in the creation and accumulation of their personal wealth. The cost of the disparity is enormous: the Federal Reserve estimated that closing gender and racial wealth gaps could have increased Ohio's GDP by $67 billion between 2005 and 2019. This week's forum digs into the challenges Central Ohio women face in the creation of personal wealth and the new data and policies needed to close the disparity. Featuring: Courtney Falato, Vice President and Program Officer, Global Philanthropy, JPMorgan Chase & Co. Hannah Halbert, Executive Director, Policy Matters Ohio Kimberly Minor, President and CEO, Women of Color Retail Alliance Lillian Morales-Laster, Executive Director, Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA) The moderator was Kelley Griesmer, President and CEO, The Women's Fund of Central Ohio. This forum was sponsored by The Ohio State University and The Ellis. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on August 28, 2024.

The free press and democracy draw strength from each other. When one fails, or is deliberately targeted for destruction, the other is likely to also be a casualty. This week's forum dives into the importance of a free press and the role journalism plays in keeping democracy vigorous. Featuring: Rita McNeil Danish, CEO of Signal Ohio Dr. Kelly Garrett, Director, School of Communication at The Ohio State University Michael Shearer, Executive Editor of The Columbus Dispatch The moderator is Rodney Dunigan, Assistant News Director with ABC 6. The forum partner was The Columbus Dispatch.  The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded at The Ellis in Columbus Ohio's historic Italian Village on August 21, 2024.

Get ready for retirement, because it's coming: while not everyone in Central Ohio is ready to clock out for the last time, the region will soon have more residents reaching the age of 65 than starting kindergarten. It's a situation with enormous implications for employers, school districts, healthcare providers, and taxpayers. The 65+ age group of Franklin County residents is the fastest growing segment of the county's population, increasing over 50% between 2010 and 2022. During that time, the number of kindergartners – the 0-4 age group – grew by just 2.4%. According to a Columbus Dispatch article published earlier this year, the median age nationally is now 39 years old, rising steadily from 37.2 in 2010 and 35.2 in 2000. Ohio's average age is even higher at 39.6 years. What policy and infrastructure changes are needed now to meet the housing, transit, homecare and healthcare needs of what's rapidly becoming most of us? It's a situation with HUGE implications for employers, school districts, healthcare providers, and taxpayers. Featuring: Dr. Holly Dabelko-Schoeny, Director of Research for The Age-Friendly Innovation Center, The Ohio State University College of Social Work Katie White, Director, The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Kalitha Williams, Outreach and Advocacy Manager, AARP Ohio Chanda Wingo, Director, Franklin County Office on Aging The moderator is Tasha Booker, Caregiver and Senior Vice President for External Engagement, City Year. This forum was sponsored by AARP Ohio, The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, and The Isabelle Ridgeway Foundation.  The forum partner was King Business Interiors. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by The Ellis.  This forum was recorded at The Ellis in Columbus Ohio's historic Italian Village on August 7, 2024.

Columbus, Ohio has been stacking up impressive accolades for some time. The city is home to some of the country's top attractions, world-class sports, a great restaurant and bar scene, and a growing and diversifying population that's significantly younger than the statewide average. Recently, Experience Columbus – the destination marketing organization for Columbus – launched a new campaign to bring attention to the great things Columbus has and is. Its “yes, Columbus” campaign has set its sights on sharing the city's greatness with potential visitors and residents and draws on findings from a communitywide perception study from 2023 that showed that while those who know Columbus are positive, familiarity with Ohio's capital city is low outside of Ohio. What is the new campaign and what will its reach be? What is the Columbus brand? Columbus has long sought to shape a unique identity that's appealing, aspirational, and authentic to who we are and what we want to become. Can we?  Featuring: Yohannan "Yogi" Terrell, CEO, Warhol & WALL ST., and Director, Columbus Fashion Initiative Sarah Townes, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer, Experience Columbus Stephanie Spicer, President, Luquire Steve Susi, Senior Director, Brand Strategy, Northwestern Mutual The moderator is Jennifer Walton, Chief Brand Officer, Sky Nile Consulting The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded at The Ellis in Columbus Ohio's historic Italian Village on July 31, 2024.

More than 1.5 million Ohioans – over 13% of the state's population – lives in the cities governed by our three July 24 forum panelists. We welcome the current mayors of Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland, Ohio for an extraordinary program as these three dynamic leaders discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing their 21st century cities. We'll hear their strategies for economic growth, urban development, transit, community engagement, and much more. Join us for this rare opportunity to hear firsthand from the mayors shaping the future of Ohio's three largest cities. Featuring:  Andrew Ginther, Mayor, City of Columbus Justin Bibb, Mayor, City of Cleveland And Aftab Pureval, Mayor, City of Cincinnati The moderator is Yolanda Harris, News Anchor, WBNS-10TV This forum was sponsored by Bricker Graydon, The Columbus Region, The Ohio Mayors Alliance, and Spectrum. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on July 24, 2024.

Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. was appointed as the 17th president of The Ohio State University by its Board of Trustees last August. He began his tenure at Ohio State on January 1 of this year. As president, Carter leads the state's premier public research university with six campuses in Ohio and a student body of more than 65,000. Carter also served as president of the University of Nebraska System and was the U.S. Naval Academy's longest continuously serving superintendent since the Civil War. He is a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral with 38 years of service and has logged more than 6,300 flying hours. Carter flew 125 combat missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Bosnia and Kosovo. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross with combat distinction for valor and is a recipient of the Bronze Star. CMC is honored to welcome President Carter for this special 1:1 forum as we explore the future of the state's flagship university and the vision of its new leader. Featuring: Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., President, The Ohio State University The host is Matt Barnes, NBC4 Anchor This forum was sponsored by The Joseph & Carol Newcomb-Alutto Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund Focusing on Higher Education, The Ohio State University, Huntington, United Way of Central Ohio, Columbus Business First, Moody Nolan, and NBC4 WCMH TV.  The presenting sponsor of CMC's livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by Vue Columbus.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in Columbus, Ohio's historic Brewery District on July 17, 2024.

A proposed major overhaul of Columbus' 70-year-old zoning code will bring big changes to Columbus. If passed, the new code will dramatically reshape parts of the city by unlocking current density and height restrictions, allow more mixed-use developments, and much more. Proponents argue a zoning code overhaul is critical to help Columbus fix its worsening housing crisis, while opponents worry that the proposal could bring about a loss of control over new development in established neighborhoods, or even the loss of historic buildings. The proposed overhaul could allow for 88,000 new housing units along key city corridors, impacting 12,300 parcels. The proposal is currently in a 60-day public review period, with Columbus City Council's final vote on the proposed changes coming this summer. Draft plans would allow much taller buildings and denser housing along major streets including Broad Street, High Street, and Cleveland Avenue, plus an elimination of parking requirements. While some welcome the increased housing options, others are concerned about potential changes to neighborhood character. With a panel bringing multiple voices to the table, we unpack the way this summer's proposed zoning overhaul could reshape Columbus. Featuring: Rob Dorans, President Pro Tem, Columbus City Council  Leah Evans, President & CEO, Homeport  Dr. Rebecca Kemper, CEO, Columbus Landmarks  Kathy Green, Vice-Chair and Zoning Committee Chair, Columbus Southside Area Commission The moderator is Mark Ferenchik, News Director, WOSU Public Media. This forum was sponsored by Crane Group.   The presenting sponsor of CMC's livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by The Ellis.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on July 10, 2024.

The state of charitable giving has a profound impact on hundreds of nonprofit organizations throughout Central Ohio, ranging from mighty arts, healthcare, and higher education institutions to local civic clubs and direct service providers. Trends in giving affect all of them — from the decline of giving among “everyday households,” increasing dependence on high-net-worth donors, trends in corporate giving, and the rise of donor advised funds, this dynamic sector represents more than 12% of Ohio's workforce – about as many as are employed in manufacturing. Following the June 25 release of Giving USA's annual report, we host a landmark conversation diving into the state and future of charitable giving.  Featuring: Erika Gable, President, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Central Ohio Chapter Rachel Lustig, CEO, Lutheran Social Services Dr. Una Osili, Associate Dean for Research and International Programs, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, who also provides opening remarks.  The host is Laura MacDonald, Principal & Founder, Benefactor Group Opening remarks by Dan Sharpe, Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management, The Columbus Foundation. The presenting sponsor was The Columbus Foundation. This forum was also sponsored by The Hodge Group. The forum partner was AFP Central Ohio. It was supported by The Ellis. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on June 26, 2024.     

Healthy nonprofit organizations are critical to any community. They address unmet needs, enrich our cultural life, and build social capital. With a panel of passionate leaders and advocates, we unpack the state of Central Ohio nonprofits at one of CMC's most popular forums of the year. The panelists are: Suzan Bradford, Executive Director, The Lincoln Theater  Gabrielle Fields, Executive Director, Franklinton Farms  Matthew Goldstein, CEO, Besa  Kristen Rost, Vice President, Nationwide Foundation The moderator is Dan Sharpe, Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management, The Columbus Foundation. The presenting sponsor was Nationwide. This forum was also sponsored by Benefactor Group, Besa, Carlile Patchen & Murphy, Columbia Gas of Ohio, Cramer & Associates, G2G Consulting, Installed Building Products, and The New Directions Career Center. It was supported by Vue Columbus. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in Columbus, Ohio's historic Brewery District on June 12, 2024.     

As our country heads into a pivotal 2024 election, we unpack the creation and the legacy of one of the most significant legislative achievements in American history, the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The 60-year-old Civil Right Act – bold, imperfect at creation, and controversial – demanded a fundamental fairness in American life that today remains an unfinished task. In June 1963, President John Kennedy urged Congress to enact a comprehensive civil rights bill, driven by widespread resistance to desegregation and the murder of civil rights activist Medgar Evers. Following Kennedy's assassination, President Lyndon Johnson championed the bill, ultimately securing its passage the following year, despite intense resistance that included a 54-day filibuster by opponents. At the bill's signing on July 2, 1964, President Johnson was joined by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights crusaders. The Civil Rights Act barred unequal voter registration requirements, banned discrimination on the basis of “race, color, religion, or national origin” in places of public accommodation, in public education and in federally-assisted programs, banned discrimination based on “race, color, religion, sex, or national origin” in hiring, and expanded the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The passage of the Civil Rights Act was a watershed moment in American history. It effectively ended the era of notorious “Jim Crow” laws, previously upheld by the Supreme Court, which permitted racial segregation under the pretext of “separate but equal.” Since 1964, Congress has expanded the Civil Rights Act to strengthen the protection of essential civil liberties. With an expert panel, we pay respects to the vision of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and take stock of the state of – and threats to – civil liberties in today's America. Featuring: Janet E. Jackson, Former President & CEO, The United Way of Central Ohio, Former City Attorney for the City of Columbus, Former Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Associate Professor, Department of History, The Ohio State University Jen Miller, Executive Director, The League of Women Voters of Ohio The panel moderator is W. Kay Wilson, Associate Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Mahogany Magazine This forum was sponsored by Homeport, The Robert Weiler Company, and Steptoe & Johnson. The forum partner was The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus. It was supported by The Ellis. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on June 5, 2024. 

Only five other states are home to more veterans than Ohio. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Buckeye State is home to 729,645 veterans. Only California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas have more veterans than Ohio. With the state's unemployment rate well below historic averages, many employers are turning to veterans to fill open positions. While the veteran unemployment rate is nationally lower that the nonveteran unemployment rate, 3% versus 3.8%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, many returning veterans struggle to re-integrate themselves into the civilian workforce after military service. “Finding the mission again,” or reinventing a new life in the civilian work world, can be hugely challenging for many. The transition can be a time when veterans are at greater risk for depression, homelessness, and increased risk of crisis, according to the veterans' advocacy organization DAV. Part of the challenge for veterans is helping civilian employers recognize the key skills they're seeking in veteran resumes. State officials and leading employers are helping to change this; the state is now home to 2,792 designated “Military Friendly” employers in the state of Ohio, and state-run and corporate programs are seeing marked successes in helping veterans re-integrate into Ohio's workforce. With a panel of leaders, we unpack the hidden challenges Ohio veterans face returning to the workforce after military life, and dive into the strategies that are connecting veterans with Ohio employers ready to hire them.  Featuring: Tony Anzic, U.S. Navy Veteran and Columbus Location Manager, JPMorgan Chase & Co. Retired U.S. Army Major General Deborah Ashenhurst, Director, Ohio Department of Veterans Services  Marnie Holder, Vice President of Advancement, National Veterans Museum & Memorial  And U.S. Army Veteran A-Jay Orr, Executive Director, Ohio Veterans Collaborative   The host is Stacia Naquin, Anchor, ABC6 & Fox 28 Columbus  This forum was sponsored by Columbus State Community College, Encova Insurance, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.  The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.  It was supported by The Ellis.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on May 22, 2024.  

Ohio's mental healthcare needs are as acute as they've ever been, but Ohioans' struggle with mental health has also achieved a new and higher level of visibility, thanks to the persistent dedication of mental health advocates. Mental health struggles are touching every part of Ohio's population: children, adults, employers, and employees, and those of any age wrestling with addiction or thoughts of suicide. Ohio's leaders in the field have also made clear that mental health issues aren't merely healthcare issues, they're workforce development issues: the state's economy can't thrive if the mental health needs of its workers and their families aren't addressed and supported. Tellingly, a state official reported hearing most often from Ohio's mothers and sheriffs: two groups both dealing daily with the effects of fellow Ohioans struggling with mental health needs. There is clearly hope: national studies show that 3 of 4 people who experience addiction eventually recover, and up to 33% of people living with serious mental illness and 67% of adults with mild to moderate mental illness experience partial to full recovery over time. And Ohio is talking more about mental health than ever before, with the stigma of mental illness slowly evaporating, thanks to a changing public willingness to talk openly about mental illness. Some 70% of companies have also introduced or enhanced their well-being benefits for their employees. Since 1949, May has been observed as Mental Health Awareness Month, so with an expert panel of passionate leaders, we unpack the state of mental health in Ohio with leaders working to create healthier adults, employees, and families. Featuring: Erika Clark Jones, CEO, Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) LeeAnne Cornyn, Director, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services And Andriel Ugbomeh, CEO, Healing Without Limits Counseling & Consulting The host is Charleta B. Tavares, Chief Executive Officer, PrimaryOne Health The presenting sponsors of CMC's Optimal Health Series are OhioHealth, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. This forum was sponsored by Cardinal Health. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on May 15, 2024. Please note this CMC forum contains a conversation about suicide. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or addiction, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988.  

On April 10, 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine delivered his “State of the State” address to a packed Ohio statehouse audience. Now in his second term, the Governor's remarks were notably focused on key initiatives aimed to benefit the state's youth, with special emphasis on improving the health and education of Ohio's children and students. His remarks touched both on recent accomplishments and his hopes for the next steps state lawmakers might take on key issues, including programs intended to improve infant care, create school-based health clinics, and improve access to quality childcare. With veteran Statehouse News Bureau journalist Jo Ingles, we sit down with Ohio's 70th governor, Mike DeWine, for a wide-ranging conversation unpacking his 2024 “State of the State” address and a look at what Ohio's future may hold.  Featuring:   Mike DeWine, Governor, State of Ohio   And host Jo Ingles, Journalist & Producer, Statehouse News Bureau  This forum was sponsored by ACT Ohio, Cardinal Health, The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, The Ohio State University, Public Sector Consulting, and WOSU Public Media  The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.  It was supported by The Ellis.  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on May 8, 2024.  

Imagine what economic growth looks like on a graph and you may picture a line slanting upwards from left to right. Have you ever wondered where the line stops? On a planet – or a region – with finite resources, it has to end somewhere.   This realization is helping a very different model of economic growth to gain traction: the circular economy. Circular, or “doughnut,” economies are sustainable and regenerative, where waste from one process becomes fuel for another. It's a model being popularized by economists like the U.K.'s Kate Raworth, and it's taking root around the world and in Central Ohio.   Central Ohio's economic activity is expected to result in more residential and industrial waste that will threaten the usable lifespan of the region's landfill. Growth is putting upward pressure on greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. A circular economy can mitigate many of these consequences by recapturing more and more recyclable materials in new ways, sending them back into the production cycle.   Central Ohio has an opportunity to set a national example showcasing the benefits of a circular economy, and key players in our region are working together to bend that growth line back onto itself to form a sustainable circle.   With a panel of regional leaders, we unpack the advantages of thinking about economic growth in an entirely new way and learn how key players in Central Ohio are working together to bring sustainable circular growth to the region.   Featuring panelists:  Scott Barbour, President and Chief Executive Officer, Advanced Drainage Systems   Dr. Elena Irwin, Professor of Environmental Economics, The Ohio State University Sustainability Institute   Tia Johnson, Owner, Compost Clubhouse   And Jeff Snyder, Director of Recycling, Rumpke Waste & Recycling  The host is Tres Carter, Director of Creative Engagement, COSI  This forum was sponsored by Advanced Drainage Systems, GBQ, The Grange Insurance Audubon Center, Rumpke Waste & Recycling, and SWACO. The forum partners were The COSI Science Festival, The Columbus Dispatch, and The Ellis.  The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation.   This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on May 1, 2024.  

A leading factor behind population growth in Central Ohio are immigrants and refugees; in recent years, of the newcomers moving to Central Ohio from outside the state, half are international immigrants. The United States is home to the highest number of immigrants in the world. Some 50 million Americans —about 15% of the country's population, were born in a foreign country. In Columbus, the nation's 14th largest city, ten percent of the city's residents are foreign born, a number that's only expected to rise.  Central Ohio's reputation for affordable living and abundant employment opportunities, plus the presence of support networks and aid organizations, have long made the region an attractive destination for immigrants. But attitudes toward immigration are shifting yet again in America, and Columbus is no longer as affordable as it was just a decade ago. Can our region continue to attract immigrants to fill critical jobs and add to Central Ohio's cultural and economic vitality? Featuring panelists: Kim Emch, Founder and Executive Director, Festa   Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, City of Upper Arlington, Council President & Mayor, and Partner, Taft Law Sudarshan Pyakurel, Executive Director, Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio And Guadalupe Velasquez, Managing Director, Welcoming City The host is Peter Gill, Immigration Reporter / Report for America, The Columbus Dispatch This forum was sponsored by The United Way of Central Ohio and Taft Law. It was supported by The Ellis and by The Columbus Dispatch. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on April 24, 2024. 

What are the chronic factors that are keeping so many Columbus families – more than one in ten – locked in a multi-generational cycle of poverty, and what new resources are needed to help these families break free of the poverty cycle once and for all?  Central Ohio is a rapidly growing, vibrant community, generating the lion's share of Ohio's overall economic vitality. Yet despite its affluence and prosperity, Columbus is experiencing growing inequality between our neighbors with resources and those who are struggling. Franklin County's poverty rate is higher than the statewide average, with 14.3% of county residents living in poverty in 2021, versus 13.4% across Ohio. From 2000 and 2020, over half (55%) of the net population growth in Columbus was comprised of people living below 200% percent of the poverty line. Columbus is among the least-promising places in the nation for low-income children to climb the financial ladder. Personal savings rates have also hit a new low for many families: 68% of Americans are worried about being able to afford living expenses for just one month if they lost their primary income source, and 57% of adults are unable to afford a $1,000 emergency.  We're joined by a panel of passionate experts to better understand the multi-generational cycle of poverty in Central Ohio, and the critical resources, initiatives, and programs that can help our Columbus neighbors escape the poverty cycle forever.  Featuring panelists:  Tony Collins, CEO & President, YMCA of Central Ohio   Lawrence Funderburke, Founder, President, and Certified Financial Planner, Funderburke Institute of Financial Empowerment  Stephanie Hightower, President and CEO, The Columbus Urban League   And Karen Mozenter, CEO, Jewish Family Services    The moderator is Tonisha Johnson, Emmy Award-Winning Multimedia Journalist and Anchor, Spectrum News 1  This forum was sponsored by Kroger. It was supported by The Ellis.   The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.   This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on April 17, 2024.  

Optimal Health Series Human beings are wired for social connections, but when those connections are few, our health pays the price. The U.S. is suffering from a loneliness epidemic, and the toll it takes on our health is both enormous and measurable. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness and isolation a “public health emergency,” saying loneliness can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The Surgeon General's startling advisory found that poor social connections can raise the risk of heart disease by 29%, increase the risk of stroke by 32%, and increase the risk of developing dementia in older adults by 50%. There is hope: leaders across Ohio are working to combat loneliness, to re-establish connections lost during the pandemic, and create new resources to reduce social isolation. This thought-provoking panel discussion tackles the loneliness epidemic in Ohio and its profound health and societal implications, including actionable strategies to build socially connected communities that can thrive, enjoy better health outcomes, and develop resilience in the face of loneliness. Featuring panelists: Dr. Amy Acton, Private Practice, Preventive Medicine, and Former Director, Ohio Department of Health Dr. Whitney Raglin Bignall, On Our Sleeves Associate Clinical Director, Nationwide Children's Hospital Susan DiMickele, CEO, National Church Residences Dr. Megan Schabbing, Medical Director of Psychiatric Emergency Services, OhioHealth The host is Tracie McCambridge, Director of Art & Resilience, The Wexner Center for the Arts The presenting sponsors of CMC's Optimal Health Series are The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and OhioHealth. This forum was sponsored by The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation and by National Church Residences. It was supported by The Ellis. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on April 10, 2024.  Please note this CMC forum contains a conversation about suicide. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or addiction, please contact the Suicide & Crsis Lifeline by calling 988.

Mary Lazarus Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund Celebrating Women in Society The gender pay gap is unfair, inequitable, and even illegal – paying women less than men for the same work has been against the law in the US since 1963. And yet, based on today's full-time, year-round wage gap, women entering the workforce stand to lose $398,160 over the course of a 40-year career. This “lifetime wage gap” exists across the country: in every state, women's career losses based on today's wage gap would amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars—and in 12 states women's career losses would amount to more than half a million dollars. If progress continues at the same glacial rate as it has since 1960, it will take some 30 more years for women workers to reach pay equity with men.  The average Asian American and Native Pacific Islander (AANPI) worker would need until April 3 – the day of our forum – to make as much money as their male counterparts had earned by the end of the previous year. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women working full-time, year-round are paid just 92 cents for every dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men. The wage gap within the Asian American community is often overlooked, and it's far from monolithic. For example, Chinese women earn 83 cents to a white male's dollar, Indian women earn $1.07, Bhutanese women earn 52 cents, and Nepalese women earn just 48 cents for every dollar earned by white men. Recognizing these disparities is the first step toward achieving true pay equity for Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian women.  What's being done to close the gender wage gap in Central Ohio for all women? Among other initiatives – The Columbus Commitment – a voluntary, employer-led pledge dedicated to closing the wage gap and fostering pay equity – has now been signed by over 400 Columbus-area employers to help spotlight equitable pay practices. With an expert panel, CMC dives into why the gender pay gap has been a persistent feature of the US economy for generations, the importance of a nuanced approach to addressing pay disparities, what it will take to close the gender pay gap in Central Ohio once and for all. Featuring panelists: Barb Smoot, President & CEO, Women for Economic and Leadership Development First Lady Shannon Ginther, Chair, Columbus Women's Commission Dr. Joyce Chen, Professor of Economics, Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, The Ohio State University The host is Tanya Salyers, Director of Advocacy, YWCA Columbus Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla makes opening remarks.  This forum was sponsored by The Mary Lazarus Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund Celebrating Women in Society, Crane Group, Event Marketing Strategies, The Ohio State University, and The Columbus Women's Commission. It was supported by The Ellis. The forum partner was The Women's Fund of Central Ohio. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on April 3, 2024. 

This dynamic conversation challenges the conventional understanding of influence, delving into the profound impact of social media influencers on the identity and evolution of Columbus, Ohio. By examining their roles in shaping the cultural and social fabric of Columbus, we'll uncover the subtle yet powerful ways in which our community is being redefined. We explore the responsibilities that come with this influence, encouraging a dialogue on how diverse voices can drive a more inclusive and connected future for our city. Featuring Columbus social media influencers: Alissa Henry, Wife, Mom, TV Personality, Content Creator, Reader, Tunner, Ohio University Alum and AKA @alissahenrytv Morgan Pelt, Creator, Columbus Living Blog, @columbuslivingblog And Jenny Zaerr, Brand Builder & Content Creator, Instagram's @jennysbitesnbooze The host is Heather Whaling, President & Founder, Geben Communication This forum was sponsored by Geben Communication and was supported by The Ellis. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on March 27, 2024. 

This forum is part of CMC's Optimal Health Series. Columbus may still be working toward an overall identity as a city, but leaders in healthcare have already put the region on the globe as a worldwide hub for health. Central Ohio is now home to four major hospital systems and a growing number of global leaders in therapeutics and medical technology. With the new heads of The Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center and Cardinal Health, we dive into a conversation on what the future holds for advanced healthcare in Central Ohio and around the world.  Featuring: Jason Hollar, Chief Executive Officer, Cardinal Health John Warner, MD, Chief Executive Officer, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Executive Vice President, Ohio State  The host is Tracy Townsend, Anchor & Medical Correspondent, WBNS-10TV The presenting sponsors of CMC's Optimal Health Series are The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and OhioHealth. The sponsors of this forum were The United Way of Central Ohio, Cardinal Health, Ohio Life Sciences, and The Columbus Partnership. This forum was supported by The Ellis. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on March 20, 2024.