The Community's Conversation

*/ ?>

Latest Episodes:

More Than a Meal: The Future of Fighting Hunger in Central Ohio Sep 23, 2026

Hunger in Central Ohio isn't a problem at the margins of our communities. It's a workforce issue, a health issue, an education issue, and a test of whether our growing region can take care of the people who make it work (and the families who depend on them).

As Matt Habash prepares to retire after 42 years leading the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, we explore his civic legacy and the future of hunger relief in Central Ohio. Food banks and pantries are serving more families, seniors, children, and working adults at the same time food costs, public funding uncertainty, and household instability are making the work harder.

What does hunger in Central Ohio look like today? What will the next generation of food-security leadership require? What role do new partnerships and innovative technology play? We mark Hunger Action Month and explore how Central Ohio can move beyond emergency response toward a more resilient and more equitable food system.

Featuring:

Matt Habash, President & CEO, Mid-Ohio Food Collective

Danielle Tong, Executive Director, CelebrateOne

Your host is Jerry Revish, Senior Pastor, Unity Temple, and Retired News Anchor, WBNS-10TV.

If you'd like to dive more deeply into this topic, our fantastic partners at the Columbus Metropolitan Library suggest checking out "The Painful Truth About Hunger in America," by Marian Chilton (2024)

The presenting sponsor of this forum was Nationwide. This forum was also sponsored by Cardinal Health, Ian Alexander Photography, Installed Building Products, and Kroger.

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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa.

Building the Workforce Behind the American Dream Sep 16, 2026

Central Ohio is attracting historic levels of investment in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, bioscience, and other rapidly expanding industries. But landing new facilities is just the beginning. Our region's economic future depends on its ability to build and sustain the right workforce. We explore whether Central Ohio can create a workforce development system that's equal to its ambitions—one that connects people to opportunity, gives employers the talent they need, and brings the American Dream within reach for more Central Ohioans.

Featuring:

Dr. David Harrison, President, Columbus State Community College

Kyle Koehler, State Senator, 10th Ohio Senate District

Sandra Rodriguez-Toledo, Vice President of Site Operations, Amgen Ohio

David White, Vice President, Talent Strategy, One Columbus

Your host is Angela An, WBNS-10TV News Anchor and Host of 10TV's "Boomtown" series.

This forum was sponsored by The Columbus Partnership, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Ohio Life Sciences, and Roeztel & Andress.

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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Trade Up: Why the Future Belongs to Skilled Trades and How Career Education Is Transforming the Workforce, by Jason Altmire (2026).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on September 16, 2026.

A 50th Anniversary Conversation: The Future of Civic Dialogue Sep 09, 2026

For 50 years, the Columbus Metropolitan Club has brought Central Ohio together through moments of crisis and celebration, disagreement and discovery, grounded in the belief that dialogue matters. As CMC marks its 50th anniversary with this special forum, social psychologist Dr. Kurt Gray turns that tradition toward the future: Why do we fight so fiercely about morality and politics? What can help us find common ground? Drawing on his research into the moral mind, Gray explores why people across the political spectrum may have more in common than they think—and what the science of moral understanding can teach us about the next 50 years of civic dialogue.

Featuring:

Dr. Kurt Gray, Professor of Social Psychology, The Ohio State University, and Author, Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground.

CMC Board of Trustees member Carey Schmitt delivers opening remarks celebrating CMC's 50th anniversary, and Elon Sims, Chief of Staff to Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, presents CMC with a proclamation celebrating its 50th anniversary. Sophia Fifner, President and CEO, The Columbus Metropolitan Club, makes remarks on CMC's future and interviews Dr. Kurt Gray.

The emcee is Matt Barnes, Morning Co-Anchor of NBC4 Today, and member of the CMC Board of Trustees.

This forum was made possible by: Visionary Sponsors: Mary Lazarus, The Ohio State University

Impact Sponsors: Columbus City Council, The Office of Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, The Columbus Foundation & The Center for HumanKindness, The Robert Weiler Company

Community Partners: Lynn Greer, Huntington Bank, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Ambassador: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Advocate: Installed Building Products

This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa.

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on September 9, 2026.

Raising the Curtain on Columbus' Cultural Future Sep 02, 2026

For 100 years, the Palace Theatre has evolved alongside Columbus, bringing generations of performers and audiences together in the heart of downtown. As the city continues to grow, what will it take to sustain a thriving performing arts ecosystem? Leaders from the Lincoln Theatre, Opera Columbus, CAPA, and BalletMet explore the future of Columbus' cultural life, the institutions and stages that support it, and how the performing arts can continue evolving in Central Ohio. Listen to this special Columbus Metropolitan Club forum recorded onstage at the historic Palace Theatre.

Featuring:

Suzan Bradford, Executive Director, Lincoln Theatre

Julia Noulin-Mérat, General Director & CEO, Opera Columbus

Chad Whittington, President & CEO, CAPA

Remi Wörtmeyer, Artistic Director, BalletMet

Your host is Amy Juravich, Host and Executive Producer of All Sides with Amy Juravich, 89.7 NPR News, WOSU Public Media.

This forum was made possible by Carol A. McGuire Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund — Celebrating Arts and Culture.

This forum was sponsored by The Greater Columbus Arts Council, Opera Columbus, Otterbein University, and WOSU Public Media.

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 Downtown Columbus, Inc.

CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "The Secret Life of the American Musical," by Jack Viertel (2016).

Who's Watching? The Fight Over Flock Cameras Aug 26, 2026

Flock Safety's automated license plate readers are becoming a common sight across Central Ohio, helping police locate missing children, recover stolen vehicles, and solve crimes. But when does a public-safety tool become mass surveillance? With millions of ordinary drivers captured in these databases, how much privacy should Central Ohioans surrender for public safety? Can strong rules on warrants, data sharing, and searches preserve Flock's crime-fighting benefits while preventing abuse?

Featuring:

Trevor Chandler, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Flock Safety

Gary Daniels, Legislative Director, ACLU of Ohio Nick Konves, Assistant Chief, Columbus Division of Police

Emmanuel V. Remy, Columbus City Councilmember

Your host is Anna Lynn Winfrey, Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch.

The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream and promotional partner was The Columbus Dispatch.

This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading We See it All: Liberty and Justice in the Age of Perpetual Surveillance, by Jon Fasman (2021).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on August 26, 2026.

From Long Lines to Logins: What Happens When Government Works Better for Everyone? Aug 19, 2026

People can order groceries, deposit checks, and manage their healthcare from a smartphone. So why does dealing with government still sometimes require paperwork, phone trees, waits, and multiple websites?

Across Ohio and Central Ohio, that's changing. From the Ohio BMV's digital upgrades to COTA's "Tap to Pay" fare technology, local broadband efforts, and AI-enabled traffic management, public agencies are rethinking how government serves residents and businesses.

The goal isn't just to digitize paperwork. It's to make public services more capable, faster, and centered on citizens. Who benefits when government goes digital? Can government funding be equally innovative across a huge spectrum of complex services? And what does it take to build public systems that are not only faster, but fairer?

This week's forum unpacks how innovation, technology, and better design are helping public agencies earn trust, save time, lower barriers, boost Ohio's competitiveness, and even strengthen democracy.

Featuring:

Remard Colston, InnovateOhio Platform Administrator, State of Ohio

Angel Mumma, Chief Administrative Officer, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium; former Chief Financial Officer, COTA; and former Director of Finance, City of Dublin

Daniel Poliquin, Principal, Digital Trust & Privacy / Government and Public Sector, Deloitte & Touche

The host is Megan Kilgore, Co-Founder of BKC Group and Former Auditor for the City of Columbus.

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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Recoding America: Why Government Is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better, by Jennifer Pahlka (2023).

Designing a Democracy for the Next 250 Years Aug 12, 2026

America's experiment in democracy was designed and launched 250 years ago—and it hasn't stopped evolving since. As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we reframe America's semiquincentennial not as a momentary celebration, but as a democratic handoff with a commitment to the future.

Can the age-old promise of American democracy be refined, improved, nurtured, and preserved? With a panel of key thought leaders, we explore what the next era of democracy in America may demand, including ethical and corruption-free leadership, responsive institutions, stable and solid democratic norms, civic education, and redesigned systems and processes that better serve the public.

Centering Ohio and Columbus as testing grounds, we ask how American communities can move from reflection to renewal—and what responsibility today's leaders and citizens have to future generations of Americans.

Featuring:

Robert Alt, President and CEO, The Buckeye Institute Rita McNeil Danish, Interim CEO, The Matriots Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Associate Professor of History, The Ohio State University

The host is Lee Strang, Executive Director, Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society, and Professor of Law, Moritz College of Law, The Ohio State University.

This forum was sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co. CMC's forum partner was The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus.

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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "On Mindful Democracy: A Declaration of Interdependence to Mend a Fractured World," by Jeremy Engels (2026)

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on August 12, 2026.

Written in Stone: Ohio Women, Public Memory, and the New Statehouse Monument Aug 05, 2026

Public monuments tell us what a community chooses to remember — and who it chooses to see. For generations, the Ohio Statehouse grounds have honored presidents, governors, astronauts, and statesmen — but not actual women.

That will change this fall, when the new Ohio Women's Monument is unveiled on Capitol Square, becoming the first monument on the Statehouse grounds to depict real women and their role in shaping Ohio's history.

Ahead of the unveiling, we explore the story behind this landmark project: the women it honors, the artist bringing it to life, the public-private partnership making it possible, and the larger question of who gets remembered in the civic spaces we all share.

As Ohio and the nation mark America's 250th birthday, we ask what it means to finally place women's courage, leadership, and fight for equality at the center of Ohio's public memory.

Featuring:

Brenda Councill, Ohio Women's Monument Artist and Sculptor

Stephanie Kunze, Chair of the Ohio Women's Monument Commission, Capitol Square Foundation Board Member, and Former State of Ohio Senator

Charley Moses, Capitol Square Foundation Board Chair

The moderator is Charlene Brown, Co-Host, WOSU Public Media's "Columbus Neighborhoods" TV Series. CMC President & CEO Sophia Fifner delivers closing remarks.

This forum was sponsored by KeyBank. Our forum partner was the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus.

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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa.

If you would like to dive more deeply into this topic, our friends at the Columbus Metropolitan Library suggest checking out "Buckeye Women: the History of Ohio's Daughters," by Stephanie Elise Booth, 2001. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on August 5, 2026.

Racing to Build a New Midwest Jul 29, 2026

For generations, the Midwest built the products, industries, and institutions that powered America. Now we're racing to build what comes next: AI companies, advanced manufacturing ventures, health innovations, and more, all with new models of work and ownership. Across the region, founders are launching companies that are going to revolutionize how we manufacture, move, heal, learn, and live. What will this new Midwest look like? How can everyone contribute? How can more people benefit? Can Midwest cities collaborate instead of compete for the same talent and capital?

Featuring:

Brian Brackeen, Managing Partner, Lightship Anchor Fund

Shannon McGhee, CEO, SEED SPOT

Ted Velie, CEO, Midwest House, and Co-Founder, Start Midwest

Your host is Wolf Starr, Founder and CEO, Venture Atlas.

This forum was sponsored by 614 Tech Week. CMC's forum partner was Midwest House.

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 is also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The Idea Foundry.

CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "Midwest Futures" by Phil Christman (2020).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Idea Foundry in Columbus, Ohio on July 29, 2026.

The Power of Showing Up: A New Case for Engagement Jul 22, 2026

Community need is growing while many people feel increasingly disconnected—from their neighbors, their workplaces, and even their sense of purpose. What if one solution could begin to address all three? In this Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, leaders from philanthropy, business, and the nonprofit sectors explore how volunteering and community engagement strengthen organizations, improve employee culture, and build healthier, more resilient communities.

Featuring:

Matthew Goldstein, CEO, Besa

Carrie Maun-Smith, Assistant Vice President, Inclusive Culture, Change & Community Impact, Grange Insurance, and Foundation President, Grange Enterprise Gives

Kerri Mollard, Founder and CEO, Mollard Consulting

Your host is Janelle Coleman, President, American Electric Power Foundation.

This forum was sponsored by The AEP Ohio Foundation, Besa, GBQ, Grange Insurance, Ian Alexander Photography, Installed Building Products, Mollard Consulting, and Taft Law.

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 is also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "Mastering Community: The Surprising Ways Coming Together Moves Us from Surviving to Thriving," by Christine Porath (2022). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on July 22, 2026.

The Airport Advantage: Building Central Ohio's Next Economy Jul 15, 2026

Columbus' major airports are much more than places to catch a flight. John Glenn International, Rickenbacker International, and Bolton Field are the region's front doors — a first impression for visitors, a critical link for global businesses, and a major piece of the critical infrastructure needed to support Central Ohio's next chapter of growth.

As Daren Griffin takes the helm as the new President & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, he arrives at a truly defining moment. John Glenn International is building a new $2 billion terminal, Rickenbacker International continues to play a major and ever-growing role in cargo and economic development, and Columbus travelers are asking the question every growing region faces: where can we fly from here?

Meet Daren Griffin as we explore what's ahead for aviation in our region and how Central Ohio's growth will depend on bold airport innovations and investment. How will John Glenn's gleaming new terminal change the passenger experience? What will it take to attract more nonstop flights and stronger global connections? How are new technology, airline economics, cargo logistics, workforce needs, and customer expectations reshaping the future and the experience of air travel?

Featuring:

Daren Griffin, President & CEO, The Columbus Regional Airport Authority

Deborah Scherer, Senior Vice President, Global Trade & Investment, One Columbus

Your host is Jerod Smalley, Anchor, WCMH NBC4, and Host, Columbus 2.0.

This forum was sponsored by The Columbus Regional Airport Authority. 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you'd like to dive more deeply into this topic, our fantastic partners at the Columbus Metropolitan Library suggest checking out "Building of an Airport: Port Columbus," by Robert F. Kirk (2019).

A Bigger Central Ohio Will Need a Bigger Safety Net Jul 08, 2026

Central Ohio's future promises growth, momentum, and opportunity. But as the region adds more people and faces mounting pressure on housing, health care, and human services, a challenging question is emerging: will the systems we rely on be able to keep up? In this forum, we take one of the first public looks at a major new long-range study on human needs in Central Ohio through 2050. Commissioned by Columbus City Council and the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County, an all-new Regionomics report examines how population growth and change are likely to reshape housing, poverty, homelessness, health, disability, workforce participation, and more across the 10-county region. With experts, we'll unpack the study's most urgent findings and explore what they mean for the future of the region. Where will the greatest strain show up first? Who is most at risk of being left behind? And what must public leaders, service providers, and all of us do now to prepare for the needs of a future Central Ohio? Featuring: Michael Corey, Executive Director, The Human Service Chamber of Franklin County Rhea Cunningham, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio Melissa Green, Columbus City Councilmember Dr. Bill LaFayette, Owner, Regionomics The host is Jordan Laird, Columbus Government and Politics Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was sponsored by The Bank of America Foundation. 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. To read the complete new Regionomics report, "Columbus in 2025, 2035, and 2050: A Survey of Human Needs Now and in the Future," please visit the website of the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Another World is Possible: Lessons for America from Around the Globe, by Natasha Zapata (2025). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on July 8, 2026

There's No Casserole for That: Mental Health, Loneliness, and the Courage to Show Up Jun 24, 2026

There might be more public resources for mental health than ever before — awareness months, crisis lines, wellness apps, and hashtags. But when someone's real life falls apart, many of us still don't know what to say, what to do, or how to show up.

In a deeply personal essay recently published in The Columbus Dispatch, CMC President and CEO Sophia Fifner wrote about grief, depression, coming out, divorce, trauma, and the loneliness that can hide behind leadership and practiced smiles.

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Bill Butler, now president of Columbus' National Veterans Memorial and Museum, described himself as a "hot mess" struggling with nightmares and guilt following the chaotic withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in 2021.

Their stories raise a larger civic question: What happens when the hardest parts of human experience don't fit neatly into the rituals we already know, like births, weddings, funerals, cards, and yes - casseroles?

How do loneliness, grief, trauma, and isolation shape our ability to live well? What can veterans, parents, nonprofit leaders, and our friends and neighbors teach us about resilience? What are the limits of resilience when people are left to carry too much alone? Can Central Ohio build a stronger culture of care, where people are not expected to disappear politely behind the mask of being "fine"?

Featuring:

Dr. John Ackerman, Suicide Prevention Clinical Manager, Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital

Bill Butler, President, The National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Sophia Fifner, President & CEO, The Columbus Metropolitan Club Your host is Stacia Naquin, News Anchor, WBNS 10TV.

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 sponsored by The Thanks Be to God Foundation. It was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection by Nicholas Epley (2026).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on June 24, 2026. If you, or someone you know, is in crisis, please call, text, or chat 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 support from trained crisis counselors.

Annual State of Nonprofits: The Future of Funding Good Work Jun 17, 2026

When communities face urgent challenges—from housing instability and food insecurity to family crisis—nonprofits often respond first and stay the longest. Yet many organizations are being asked to do more while navigating outdated funding systems, delayed reimbursements, and growing financial pressures. This week, leaders from philanthropy, government, and the nonprofit sector explore how funding models can evolve to better support the organizations that help communities thrive. What would it look like to fund nonprofit work in ways that are more flexible, responsive, and sustainable? And what role do government, philanthropy, businesses, and community partners play in making a better future possible?

Featuring:

Lindsay Baker, Vice President and Director of Philanthropy and Engagement - Central Ohio, The Huntington National Bank Emmalyn Jerome, CEO, Lower Lights Ministries Hannah Jones, Deputy Director, Department of Development, City of Columbus Phil Washburn, President & CEO, The Furniture Bank of Central Ohio

The host is Sheldon K. Johnson, Executive Director, Partners Achieving Community Transformation (PACT).

The presenting sponsors of this forum are The Columbus Foundation, Huntington Bank, and Nationwide.

This forum is also sponsored by Bath & Body Works, Benefactor Group, Columbia Gas of Ohio, Cramer & Associates, Encova Insurance, Installed Building Products, and Mollard Consulting.

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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy: Unlocking the Full Potential of a Vital and Complex Sector by Vu Le (2026).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on June 17, 2026.

What Women's Pro Soccer Means for Columbus Jun 10, 2026

Columbus is getting a National Women's Soccer League team—and with it, a powerful new chapter in the region's sports story is beginning. Set to begin play in 2028, the franchise brings major-league momentum, prominent ownership, and growing excitement around the future of women's sports in Central Ohio.

How did Columbus land the bid, and how can the region make the most of the opportunity? How are leaders navigating both the opportunities and tensions surrounding the project? As anticipation builds, we examine not just what it took to win a team—but how Columbus can turn its win into lasting and equitable public value.

Featuring:

Andrew J. Ginther, Mayor, City of Columbus Linda Logan, CEO & President, The Greater Columbus Sports Commission Mary Shepro, President of Business Operations, Columbus Crew

The host is Kristen McFarland, former professional soccer player and News Reporter, WBNS 10TV.

This forum was sponsored by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and Osborn Engineering.

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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading The Fast Track by Jane McManus (2025).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on June 10, 2026.

How Ohio's Medicaid Squeeze Could Impact Families Jun 03, 2026

Ohio's Medicaid program covers more than three million people, but major policy and funding changes now underway could reshape how care is delivered across the state. This week, healthcare leaders, policy experts, and lawmakers examine what proposed Medicaid changes could mean for hospitals, providers, and the families who rely on the program every day. From healthcare access and rising costs to the long-term sustainability of Ohio's healthcare system, we unpack one of the most consequential public policy debates facing Ohio today.

Featuring: State Senator Louis W. Blessing, III (R-Colerain Township) John McCarthy, Founding Partner, Speire HealthCare Strategies, and former Director of the Ohio Department of Medicaid Amy Rohling McGee, President, Health Policy Institute of Ohio Dr. Buhari Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer, Heart of Ohio Family Health

The host is Laura A. Bischoff, Ohio Politics and State Government Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch.

The presenting sponsors of CMC's long-running Optimal Health Series are Nationwide Children's Hospital, OhioHealth, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. This forum was also sponsored by Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio.

The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream and promotional partner was The Columbus Dispatch.

This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Your Money or Your Life: Debt Collection in American Medicine, by Luke Messac (2024).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on June 3, 2026.

A Conversation with Governor Mike DeWine May 20, 2026

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine returns to the Columbus Metropolitan Club for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, policy, and Ohio's future. In discussion with veteran Statehouse News Bureau journalist Jo Ingles, Governor DeWine reflects on his long career in public service while exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping Ohio today and tomorrow—from education and literacy to economic development, public safety, technology, and support for children and families.

Featuring: Mike DeWine, Governor, State of Ohio

The host is Jo Ingles, Journalist and Producer, The Statehouse News Bureau.

This forum was sponsored by Ian Alexander Photography, The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, The Ohio State University, The Robert Weiler Company, 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Profiles in Achievement: The Gifts, Quirks, and Foibles of Ohio's Best Politicians, by William L. Hershey (2021).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on May 20, 2026.

Turning AI Success into Columbus' Next Advantage May 13, 2026

The AI economy in Central Ohio is creating entirely new businesses. At the same time, it's reshaping nearly every existing business. The key to both these upheavals? Visionary leadership of the human kind. Will Columbus lead, follow, or just watch the AI revolution from the sidelines? Innovative leaders are determined to do just that - lead - and are racing to harness the power of AI to stay ahead of the competition. Can key players team up in Central Ohio to create a fertile business ecosystem that fuels AI innovation and nurtures the next generation of AI thinkers?

Featuring: Shereen Agrawal, Executive Director, Center for Software Innovation, The Ohio State University Alex 'Fro' Frommeyer, Founder and CEO, Stack Health, and Chairman, Beam Benefits Tim Grace, Managing Director, Techstars Columbus

The host is Carrie Ghose, Senior Reporter, Columbus Business First.

This forum was sponsored by Roetzel & Andress.

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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading AI Startup Strategy by Adhiguna Mahendra (2023).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on May 13, 2026.

Who Holds the Keys to Economic Mobility? May 06, 2026

As Central Ohio grows, the question isn't just how fast—but who benefits. In this timely conversation, leaders from economics, community development, and education explore what truly drives economic mobility, why generational poverty persists, and what it will take to create more equitable pathways to opportunity. From systemic barriers to promising solutions, we examine how Columbus can ensure prosperity is shared more broadly across the region. Featuring: Dr. Joyce J. Chen, Professor of Economics in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, The Ohio State University Will Crossley, Executive Vice President, The Woodson Center and President, The Piney Woods School Stephanie Hightower, President and CEO, The Columbus Urban League, and Co-Chair, The Equity Now Coalition The host is Rodney Dunigan, Evening Manager and Anchor, WSYX ABC6. This forum was sponsored by The Oakwood Management Company and 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc., The National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and by Tom Bolon and Keith Jones. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "Poverty, by America," written by Matthew Desmond (2023). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on May 6, 2026.

Life After Cars: Redesigning Cities for People Apr 29, 2026

What if the way we move is shaping the way we live — but not for the better? Join us with the authors of the new national bestselling book, Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile, and the hosts of the acclaimed podcast "The War on Cars" for a bold conversation about how automobiles have transformed cities, communities, and the climate — and what it might take to imagine a future beyond car dependency. Drawing on decades of advocacy, journalism, and urbanist insight, Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon unpack the costs of car culture — from divided neighborhoods and environmental impacts to public health and social inequity.

We'll explore how transportation reform is central to building a more connected and livable society, and share stories of communities already leading the way. Featuring: Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, Co-Hosts, "The War on Cars" Podcast and Co-Authors, Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile (Published 2025 by Thesis, An Imprint of Penguin Random House) Devayani Puranik, Mobility Development Program Director, Central Ohio Transit Authority The host is D'Laveance Bert-Sims, Board Member, Transit Columbus. This forum was sponsored by Burgess and Niple, COSI, COTA, Ian Alexander Photography, and REALM Collaborative. CMC's forum partners were The Center for Urban and Regional Analysis at The Ohio State University, Columbus Underground, and the 2026 COSI Science Festival. 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you finish Sarah and Doug's book Life After Cars, and you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library also recommend reading Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World, by Henry Grabar (2023). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on April 29, 2026.

Ohio's Data Center Debate Apr 22, 2026

Central Ohio has become a magnet for data center development, drawing global tech companies and fueling economic growth. But as these massive facilities expand, communities are grappling with big questions about energy demand, land use, infrastructure strain, and environmental impact. Leaders from industry, government, and academia explore the real trade-offs—and what it will take to balance growth with sustainability in one of the region's fastest-growing sectors. Featuring: Ryan Augsburger, President, The Ohio Manufacturers' Association Dr. Jeffrey Bielicki, Associate Faculty Director of Research, The Ohio State University Sustainability Institute Timothy Chadwick, Area Operations Manager for Ohio, Google Christopher Wyche, Columbus City Councilmember The host is Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, The Statehouse News Bureau. This forum was sponsored by The Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, The Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and The Ohio Manufacturers' Association. 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading The Dark Cloud: The Hidden Costs of the Digital World by Guillaume Pitron (2023). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on April 22, 2026.

Older Adults Are Aging Right Into Homelessness Apr 15, 2026

Across Central Ohio, more older adults are facing housing instability as rents outpace fixed incomes and affordable housing falls short. A local experimental program offering just $330 a month in rental support showed striking results—improved financial stability, health, and overall well-being. Can simple, cost-effective solutions like this scale up to prevent homelessness and strengthen Central Ohio communities? Featuring: Shannon Isom, President and CEO, The Community Shelter Board Tiara Ross, Columbus City Councilmember Marisa Sheldon, Director, Age-Friendly Innovation Center, The Ohio State University College of Social Work The host is Katie White, Director, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging. This forum was sponsored by Community Shelter Board. 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "And Housing for All The Fight to End Homelessness in America," by Maria Foscarinis (2025). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on April 15, 2026.

The Race for Ohio's Economic Future Apr 08, 2026

It's no secret that Ohio is a fierce—and successful—economic competitor. But the state now faces pressing questions about its ability to remain competitive in a rapidly changing national and global landscape.

With slowing population growth, workforce shortages, trade and tariff uncertainty, and the added strain of constricted international immigration, Ohio's economic trajectory is at a crossroads.

We'll unpack the powerful forces shaping the state's economic future—from talent pipelines and demographic shifts to infrastructure demands and the race to secure high‑growth industries—as we take on a trillion‑dollar question: can Ohio stay ahead of the economic pack?

Featuring:

J.P. Nauseef, President and CEO, JobsOhio

Steve Stivers, President and CEO, The Ohio Chamber of Commerce

Your host is Angela An, News Anchor and "Boomtown" Series Host, WBNS 10TV.

The presenting sponsor of this forum was Huntington Bank.

This forum was also sponsored by JPMorganChase, KeyBank, Public Sector Consulting, and Roetzel & Andress.

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 is also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "Abundance" by Ezra Klein (2025).

Primal Intelligence: The Human Edge in an AI World Apr 01, 2026

AI is getting smarter. But are we? What if the future doesn't belong to people who can out-calculate machines—but to people who can out-imagine them? In a world dominated by algorithms and automation, what makes us irreplaceably human?

According to this week's special forum guest, the answer isn't logic—it's something more powerful: imagination, intuition, and emotional resilience.

Featuring: Angus Fletcher, Professor, Department of English and Story Science, The Ohio State University, and Author, "Primal Intelligence" (Penguin Random House, 2025)

Your host is Suraj Hinduja, Managing Director, RTRX.

This forum's promotional partner was The Columbus Futurists.

If you finish Angus Fletcher's "Primal Intelligence," and you'd like to keep exploring this week's topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library also recommend reading "The Atomic Human What Makes Us Unique in the Age of AI," by Neil Lawrence (2024).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on April 1, 2026.

The War Within a War: Wil Haygood on Race, Vietnam, and America's Reckoning Mar 25, 2026

What did the Vietnam War reveal about race, democracy, and the unfinished struggle for equality in America? In this powerful Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, acclaimed journalist, professor, author, and Columbus native Wil Haygood discusses his new best-selling book, The War Within a War: The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at Home, and examines the experiences of Black Americans who fought for freedom overseas while demanding justice at home. Through vivid storytelling and deep historical insight, this conversation connects the legacy of Vietnam to the racial and political reckonings that continue to shape our country today. Featuring: Wil Haygood, Journalist, Professor, and Author, The War Within a War: The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at Home (Penguin Random House, 2026)The host is Algenon L. Marbley, U. S. District Judge, Southern District of Ohio. This forum was sponsored by Bricker Graydon Wyatt, Larry and Donna James, and 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic (and you've already finished Wil Haygood's new book), our friends at The Columbus Metropolitan Library also recommend reading Until the Last Gun is Silent: A Story of Love, the Vietnam War, and the Fight to Save America's Soul, by Matthew F. Delmont (2026). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on March 25, 2026.

The Power of the Arts in a Changing City: A Conversation with GCAC's Mitch Menchaca Mar 18, 2026

This candid 1:1 conversation features Mitch Menchaca, the newly appointed CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council, as he shares his unexpected journey from the stages of Arizona to leading arts policy in Phoenix—to now shaping the creative future of Columbus. Once a visitor who thought there might be "nothing to do" in Columbus, Mitch returns to a transformed city he's fallen in love with, ready to build on GCAC's momentum at a time of challenge and opportunity. With decades of national leadership experience, a passion for public art, and a vision for equitable cultural investment in every neighborhood, we'll explore how the arts can drive Columbus' economic vitality, create community identity, and deepen everyday civic life.

Featuring: Mitch Menchaca, President and CEO, The Greater Columbus Arts Council

The host is Sophia Fifner, President and CEO, The Columbus Metropolitan Club.

This forum was made possible by Carol A. McGuire Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund — Celebrating Arts and Culture. It was sponsored by CK Construction and The Columbus Museum of Art.

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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "What Art Does: An Unfinished Theory," by Brian Eno (2025).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on March 18, 2026.

When Staying in School Takes More Than School Mar 05, 2026

Behind every report card is a bigger story. For many Central Ohio students, poverty, trauma, food insecurity, housing instability, and citizenship status create barriers to learning that schools can't solve alone. In this Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, leaders in education and student support unpack what's driving chronic absenteeism, why it matters for graduation and workforce readiness, and what it takes to keep students connected to school.

Featuring: Valerie Kunze, Chief of Family Engagement and School Partnerships, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Adero Robinson, CEO, Communities in Schools of Ohio Dr. Sharee Wells, Superintendent, Whitehall City Schools

Shaniya Williams, Communities in Schools Alumna and Student, The Ohio State University

The host is Michelle M. Brown, President and CEO, Children's Hunger Alliance.

This forum was sponsored by Battelle, Columbus State Community College, Communities in Schools of Ohio, and The United Way of Central Ohio. 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 recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on March 11, 2026.

The Ambition Gap: Why Women Are Advancing Less—And What Leaders Can Do About It Mar 04, 2026

A new study, Women in the Workplace 2025, reports a troubling reversal: stalled early advancement, declining company commitment, and a new ambition gap as fewer women aspire to promotion than men for the first time in a decade. In a fast growing Central Ohio economy, this Columbus Metropolitan Club forum asks: are women being left behind just as opportunity expands? New research from McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.org shows that only 80% of women now aspire to promotion, compared with 86% of men—a reversal of long-standing trends. Yet the data tells a more hopeful story as well: when women receive the same sponsorship, support, and clarity about advancement as their male peers, the ambition gap disappears entirely. The problem, it turns out, may not be women's ambition—but workplaces that make ambition harder to sustain.

Leaders from business and the nonprofit sector discuss what is driving the ambition gap, why it disappears when women receive equal sponsorship and support, and what leaders can do to build workplaces where women can advance.

Featuring: Michelle Bryant, Partner, McKinsey and Company Dr. Pamela Gregory, Owner and CFO, National Center for Urban Solutions Kelley Griesmer, President and CEO, The Women's Fund of Central Ohio Lillian Morales Laster, Executive Director, Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy

The host is Margaret D Finley, President, Central Ohio Belonging Consortium.

This forum was made possible by the Mary Lazarus Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund and was sponsored by Advanced Drainage Systems, Event Marketing Strategies, and The New Directions Career Center.

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.

If you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our friends at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading This Isn't Working: How Working Women Can Overcome Stress, Guilt, and Overload to Find True Success by Meghan French Dunbar (2025).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus Ohio on March 4, 2026.

Braids, Business, and Belonging: Black Hair and Identity in Columbus Feb 25, 2026

Hair is never just hair—it's history, artistry, and identity woven together. Inspired by the upcoming production of Jaja's African Hair Braiding (at the Contemporary Theatre of Ohio, March 5–22, 2026), this forum invites you into a conversation about the cultural, economic, and social significance of African hair braiding and the stories braided into every strand.

Jaja's African Hair Braiding, written by Ohio State University graduate Jocelyn Bioh, follows West African women building lives inside a Harlem salon. African hair braiding is more than a beauty practice; it is a tradition deeply rooted in Black communities, symbolizing heritage, creativity, and belonging.

In Columbus, braiding salons—often owned and operated by Black women—are more than businesses. They're spaces of empowerment, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange, where clients and stylists alike find connection and community.

Community leaders, artists, scholars, and business advocates discuss how beauty culture reflects resilience, creativity, and economic opportunity—and why these community spaces matter now more than ever.

Featuring panelists: Juanita Brent, Representative, Ohio State House District 18 Sarai Brooks, Braid Artist, Author, and Owner of Haven 626 by RaiStyles J. Averi Frost, Executive Director, Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce Dr. Treva B. Lindsey, Professor of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, The Ohio State University

The host is Lachandra "La" Baker, Founder and Lead Consultant, Lachandra B. Baker Edutainment LLC.

This forum was presented in partnership with The Contemporary Theatre of 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 Downtown Columbus Inc and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture," by Emma Dabiri (2020). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on February 25, 2026.

What We Get Right - and Wrong - About Women's Health Feb 19, 2026

Women's health is at a pivotal moment in Ohio. From maternal care deserts and rising maternal mortality, to oncology advances and long-overdue conversations about menopause and postpartum mental health, this Columbus Metropolitan Club forum explores what our region is getting right—and where the system is still failing Ohio's women.

Featuring Panelists:

Jatu Boikai, Founder and CEO, Central Ohio Postpartum Extended Respite Center

Dr. Kamilah Dixon, Director of the General Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Dr. Shilpa Padia, Co-Medical Director of Oncology, Mount Carmel Health System

Dr. Mona Prasad, System Chief, Maternal Fetal Medicine, OhioHealth Physicians Group

Your host is Tracy Townsend, News Anchor and Medical Correspondent, WBNS 10TV.

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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "The New Rules of Women's Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Any Age" by Meghan Rabbitt (2026).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The State of Child Care Feb 11, 2026

The state of Central Ohio's childcare industry impacts parents, employers, the region's overall economy, and of course, the children who depend on quality childcare facilities and professionals. With so much riding on the state of childcare, we unpack the new 2025 Action for Children's Central Ohio Child Care Provider Survey. This comprehensive survey collects vital information from licensed child care providers about the local landscape of child care, and is the only continuing study of its kind in Ohio. Join CMC as a panel of experts and leaders unpacks this newest data to better understand the current state of childcare and the critical trends that will impact us all.

Featuring panelists:

Dr. Katherine Glenn-Applegate, Director of Child Care and Education Initiatives, Action for Children

Hannah Halbert, Executive Director, Policy Matters Ohio

Kara Wente, Director, The Ohio Department of Children and Youth

Rhonda West, Owner and Administrator, Rhonda's Daycare Service

Opening remarks by Tasha Booker, CEO, Action for Children.

Closing remarks by Franklin County Commissioner Erica Crawley.

The host is Jennifer Bullock, Anchor, NBC4.

This forum was sponsored by The Care Economy Organizing Project, The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, Mollard Consulting, PNC, and The United Way of Central Ohio.

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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "The Daycare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education (and What We Should Do About It)" by Dan Wuori, 2024.

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on February 11, 2026.

Cybersecurity in the Age of AI Feb 04, 2026

Artificial intelligence is transforming cybersecurity at unprecedented speed. From state government to public transit to global business, leaders are confronting new risks while deploying new tools to defend critical systems. This forum examines how AI is changing cyber threats, what organizations can do to stay ahead, and why cybersecurity has become a leadership issue for every sector in Central Ohio.

Featuring:

Kirk Herath, Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor to Governor Mike DeWine and Chair, CyberOhio

Sophia Mohr, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer, COTA

Michael Wyatt, Global Identity Offering Leader, Cyber and Strategic Risk, Deloitte

The host is Padma Sastry, Adjunct Faculty at The Ohio State University College of Engineering.

This forum was sponsored by COTA and Deloitte.

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 Downtown Columbus Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI Generated Deceptions," by Perry Carpenter (2025).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus Ohio on February 4, 2026.

Haitian Refugees and the Future of Immigration in Central Ohio Jan 21, 2026

Tucked into neighborhoods across Central Ohio are thousands of Haitian refugees and their families who've built lives, businesses, and communities—many under a federal designation called Temporary Protected Status (TPS). With that protection set to expire on February 3, their futures hang in the balance. This conversation dives into the shifting terrain of U.S. immigration policy and how it's playing out in real time across Central Ohio. We unpack the legal pathways available to immigrants and refugees, the challenges of navigating a system marked by long backlogs and limited resources, and the broader implications for citizenship, deportation, and belonging.

Featuring: Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, Columbus City Councilmember Emily Brown, Immigration Clinic Director, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Sophia Pierrelus, Entrepreneur and Former Secretary of the Mouvement Patriotique des Haïtiens Conscients (MPHC) Angela Plummer, Executive Director, Community Refugee and Immigration Services.

The host is Danae King, Underserved Communities Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch. Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin makes opening remarks. This forum was sponsored by Columbus City Council. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream and promotional partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Raiding the Heartland: An American Story of Deportation and Resistance by William D. Lopez (2025). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on January 21, 2026.

Black Men in Central Ohio: Realities, Resilience, and the Road Ahead Jan 14, 2026

What does it mean to be a Black man in Central Ohio in 2026? In Central Ohio, Black men face a unique and often underexamined set of challenges — and opportunities — shaped by generations of systemic inequities and the evolving dynamics of a rapidly growing region. Black men continue to be disproportionately affected by disparities in health, education, income, and incarceration. We explore the realities of navigating mental health stigma, economic exclusion, and more — while spotlighting the resilience, innovation, and leadership that define the community.

Featuring: Jason Jenkins, Chief Diversity Officer and Executive Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, City of Columbus Duwain Pinder, Partner, McKinsey & Company Marshall Shorts, Founder and Principal, Artfluential, and Creative Director, Ohio Organizing Collaborative

The host is Corey Favor, Senior Director of Community Engagement, Orange Barrel Media. This forum was sponsored by Otterbein University and McKinsey & Company. 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power by Courtney B. Vance (2023). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on January 14, 2026.

Annual Blue Chip Economic Forecast Jan 07, 2026

What will power Central Ohio's economy in 2026—and what's keeping business leaders up at night? With changing tariffs, reduced immigration, and transformative tech like AI reshaping industries, the economic road ahead is anything but clear.

Yet Central Ohio continues to outperform much of the Midwest—thanks to population growth, public investment, and a rapidly diversifying economy. What trends will define the year ahead for our region's employers, workers, and entrepreneurs? And what are the risks no one's talking about yet?

Featuring the release of the 2026 Regionomics Columbus Economic Forecast, this week's forum aims to help Central Ohio's civic and business leaders understand what's coming next—and how to prepare.

Featuring: Kathy Bostjancic, Chief Economist, Nationwide Financial Dr. Aravind Chandrasekaran, Dean, Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University Dr. Bill LaFayette, Owner, Regionomics (who also presents opening remarks)

The host is Ben Lanka, Business Editor, The Columbus Dispatch.

This forum was sponsored by The Columbus Partnership, Ian Alexander Photography, PNC, The Robert Weiler Company, and Smoot Construction.

The presenting sponsor of our livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. Our livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading In This Economy? How Money and Markets Really Work by Kyla Scanlon (2024). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on January 7, 2026.

Annual State of Downtown: Building a Safer, Stronger Downtown Dec 17, 2025

Downtown Columbus is changing rapidly, and local leaders are working to build a safer, more vibrant, and more connected urban core. We bring together experts from public safety, urban development, and community strategy to explore what it will take to strengthen the heart of the city. From new safety initiatives to long-term planning and partnership models, the conversation highlights how a thriving downtown Columbus drives Central Ohio's regional success.

Featuring: Greg Davies, CEO, Downtown Columbus, Inc. Robin Davis, Executive Director, Safer Downtown Smith Weir, Deputy Chief of the Columbus Division of Police

The host is Dawn Tyler Lee, former Deputy Chief of Staff with The City of Columbus, and Founder and CEO, Forrest Street Consulting.

Amy Taylor, President of Downtown Columbus, Inc., presents opening remarks on the state of downtown.

This forum was sponsored by Downtown Columbus, Inc., Event Marketing Strategies, MKSK, and 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 National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America One Step at a Time by Jeff Speck (2022).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on December 17, 2025.

Urban Power: How Cities Are Driving Ohio's Growth Dec 10, 2025

In a rare joint appearance, the mayors of Columbus, Findlay, Lima, and Toledo—Andrew J. Ginther, Christina Muryn, Sharetta Smith, and Wade Kapszukiewicz—take the stage for a powerful conversation on the future of urban leadership in Ohio. Together, these four leaders represent more than a million Ohioans—nearly 10% of the state's population. From economic growth and urban development to transit, public safety, and civic engagement, they share strategies for building stronger, more connected, and more resilient cities.

Featuring: Andrew J. Ginther, Mayor, City of Columbus Christina Muryn, Mayor, City of Findlay Sharetta Smith, Mayor, City of Lima Wade Kapszukiewicz, Mayor, City of Toledo

Your host is Stacia Naquin, News Anchor, WBNS 10TV.

This forum was sponsored by The Ohio State University, The Ohio Mayors Alliance, and 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 supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "Silicon Heartland: Transforming the Midwest from Rust Belt to Tech Belt," by Rebecca A. Fannin (2023).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on December 10, 2025.

Creative Capital: How the Arts Power Community Infrastructure Dec 03, 2025

The arts are more than inspiration—they're critical infrastructure. Across Central Ohio, cultural organizations are using shared data and collaborative evaluation to show how the arts drive workforce readiness, economic development, public health, and community well-being. This forum spotlights the Central Ohio Arts Impact Initiative and a growing movement to position the arts as essential to the region's social and economic infrastructure. This week, we hear from arts leaders, data experts, and civic partners on how creative work is delivering measurable outcomes that align with Central Ohio's priorities to nurture vibrant urban suburban, and exurban communities.

Featuring: Dr. Kimberlee Goodman, Executive Director, The McConnell Arts Center Angela Meleca, Chief Advocate Officer, Meleca Creative Advisors Priscilla R. Tyson, Former Columbus City Councilmember, Founder, Priscilla Tyson Consulting

Your host is Sheri Chaney Jones, Co-Founder and CEO, SureImpact. 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you're ready to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our friends at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "Run It Like a Business: Strategies for Arts Organizations to Increase Audiences, Remain Relevant, and Multiply Money – Without Losing the Art," by Aubrey Bergauer.

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on December 3, 2025.

Why Children's Mental Health Is a Workforce Issue Nov 19, 2025

Children's mental health isn't just a family issue—it's a workplace issue. When kids struggle, parents and caregivers face missed work and mounting stress, creating ripple effects across their lives. This week we explore the link between children's mental health and workplace performance, and the roles Central Ohio employers, healthcare leaders, and advocates are playing in breaking the cycle of stress for families. Featuring: Anna Ankenbauer, Senior Director, Global Giving, Engagement, Learning & Development, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nina Day, Community Mental Health Advocate. Dr. Ariana Hoet, Executive Director, The Kids Mental Health Foundation. The host is Cierra Johnson, Anchor & Reporter, NBC4. This forum was sponsored by Cardinal Health. 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you're ready to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Finding Time: The Economics of Work-Life Conflict, by Heather Boushey. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on November 19, 2025.

The State of Small Business Nov 12, 2025

Small businesses are the backbone of Central Ohio's economy—creating jobs, fueling innovation, and shaping the future of our communities. Despite inflation, labor shortages, and tariffs, many small business owners report feeling optimistic about the future. This week we explore why. Featuring: Stuart Hoffman, Senior Economic Advisor, PNC Financial Services Group Tim Kehoe, Director, Economic and Community Development Institute's Veterans Business Outreach Center of Ohio Ariana Ulloa-Olavarrieta, Small Business Coordinator, City of Columbus Walter Eguez, Founder, Tortilla Street Food The host is Susan Post, Digital Editor, Columbus Business First. This forum was sponsored by PNC. 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you're ready to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our friends at the Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading The New Builders: Face to Face with the True Future of Business by Seth Levine. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on November 12, 2025.

Amped Up: Columbus Wants Its Music Moment Nov 05, 2025

Columbus has rhythm, talent, and venues—but can it build a music industry that rivals Nashville, Austin, or Chicago? We explore Columbus' $1.3 BILLION local music economy and what it'll take to elevate it to national prominence. From local legends to industry insiders, we stagedive into strategy, investment, and how the city can turn homegrown talent into household names. Featuring: Bruce Garfield, Executive Director, Music Means Business Inc. Amy Holihan, Deputy Director, Music Columbus Natalie Jackson, Co-Founder, Natalie's Grandview Rashad Thomas, CEO, Elev8tor Music The host is Chris DeVille, Managing Editor, Stereogum, and Author of Such Great Heights: The Complete Cultural History of the Indie Rock Explosion. This forum was sponsored by Music Columbus. 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. CMC's onsite book sales partner for this forum was Gramercy Books. Ready for even more rock reading? Our partners at the Columbus Metropolitan Library recommends checking out "Love, Death & Photosynthesis" (2021) by Bela Koe-Krompecher, founder of Anyway Records. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on November 5, 2025.

Will Nonprofits Lead or Be Led? Oct 29, 2025

In a time marked by policy uncertainty, economic volatility, and social fragmentation, the nonprofit sector faces a critical strategic question: will it lead systemic change, or be passively led by external forces?

This forum invites a candid, future-focused conversation about the role of nonprofits in navigating — and shaping — what comes next. Drawing on insights from leadership theory, recent research, and provocative findings from the Philanthropy Roundtable, we'll examine if nonprofits can increase their resilience and impact by reducing dependency on government funding and reclaiming greater strategic autonomy.

What do nonprofits control? What can they influence? Can the sector mobilize to drive meaningful change rather than react to it? Would less reliance on government grants strengthen nonprofits? Together, we'll explore what it means to lead with courage, build organizational independence, and maintain a steadfast commitment to dignity and equity — even in uncertain times.

Featuring:

Ann Bischoff, CEO, Star House

Elizabeth Brown, President & CEO, YWCA Columbus

Rachel Lustig, President & CEO, Lutheran Social Services

Densil Porteous, Executive Director, Stonewall Columbus.

The host is Brandi AL-Issa, President & CEO, Habitat for Humanity MidOhio.

This forum was presented by Nationwide and sponsored by COTA and the YWCA Columbus.

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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

If you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at the Columbus Metropolitan Library suggest reading Chasing Success: The Challenge for Nonprofits by Judith Van Ginkel (2023).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in downtown Columbus, Ohio on October 29, 2025.

Who Owns the News? Rebuilding Trust and Local Voices in a Fractured Media Landscape Oct 17, 2025

In an era of media consolidation, vanishing local newsrooms, and viral misinformation, the future of trusted journalism is at a crossroads. What happens to a community when its news megaphone splinters—when public media fights for survival, editorial independence is under pressure, and social media algorithms reward outrage over truth?

Featuring: Philip Bump, Former National Columnist, The Washington Post, and Author, The Aftermath: The Last Days of the Baby Boom and the Future of Power in America

Michelle Everhart-Sullivan, Chief Audience Officer, Signal Ohio

Tareya Palmer, Co-Creator, Columbus Can't Wait Podcast

The moderator is Mike Thompson, Director of Radio, WOSU Public Media.

This forum was sponsored by WOSU Public Media.

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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

Ready to continue exploring this week's forum topic? The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommends reading What Works in Community News by Ellen Clegg and Dan Kennedy (2024).

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on October 22, 2025.

Downstream Decisions: Is Ohio's Water Future at Risk? Oct 15, 2025

Ohio's water is one of its most valuable resources—critical for the state's health, environment, and economy.

From reducing toxic algal blooms in Lake Erie to improving aging sewer and pipe systems and addressing polluted runoff, the stakes are immense. H2Ohio—a bipartisan clean water initiative launched in 2019—has made clear progress through collaboration with farmers, conservationists, and local governments.

But a budget reduction this year to the initiative of nearly 40% could slow or scale back some of these projects, prompting discussion among policymakers, environmental groups, and community leaders about the best path forward.

What's at stake isn't just clean water—it's Ohio's health, environment, and long-term economic future.

Featuring:

Dontavius Jarrells, Representative, 1st District, Ohio State House of Representatives

Paula Powell, Senior Vice President, Research and Development, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

Adam Sharp, Executive Vice President, The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation

Bill Stanley, State Director, The Nature Conservancy in Ohio

The host is Carol Kauffman, CEO, The Ohio Environmental Council

This forum was sponsored by Burgess & Niple, Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, The Alliance for the Great Lakes, The Green Funds of The Columbus Foundation, The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, The Nature Conservancy, and The Ohio Environmental 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

Want to keep learning about this topic? Check out "The Last Drop: Solving the World's Water Crisis" by Tim Smedley, recommended by our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library.

Joy Is Resistance: Queer Power in an Unequal World Oct 08, 2025

Queer joy—the radical act of celebrating identity, love, and community—is powerful and political. In the face of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation, joy becomes both a lifeline and a form of resistance. For some, queer joy is possible through financial stability, civic recognition, the support of allies, or safe communities—yet others face isolation, poverty, or exclusion.

This forum brings together LGBTQ+ leaders, advocates, and civic changemakers to explore what defines queer joy, how queer joy is cultivated, who still struggles to access it, and what it will take to make joy—and justice—more widely available to LGBTQ+ community members in Columbus and beyond.

Featuring:

Dr. Melanie Corn, President, The Columbus College of Art & Design

Karen Hewitt, Founder and Principal Consultant, K Hewitt Consulting & The Culture of You, and Co-Founder and COO, The Ohio REST Collective

Dr. Karen Williams, Founder and CEO, The International Institute of Humor and Healing Arts

The host is Ronald Murray, CEO, PEACE OF MIND, Inc., and Community Engagement Liaison, Stonewall Columbus.

This forum was made possible by the Lynn Greer Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund Celebrating Inclusion & Equity for the LGBTQ Community and was sponsored by Huckleberry House. 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on October 8, 2025.

How a Billion-Dollar Ballot Will Reshape Columbus Oct 01, 2025

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Columbus voters will weigh in on the largest bond package in city history—$1.9 billion to fund neighborhood investments, infrastructure, affordable housing, public safety, and more.

At stake is $250 million for safety, health and infrastructure, $250 million for recreation and parks, $500 million for neighborhood development and affordable housing, $400 million for public service, and $500 million for public utilities.

City leaders say the package will allow Columbus to meet the demands of rapid growth without raising taxes, continuing a legacy of responsible borrowing and long-term planning.

With civic leaders, advocates, and experts as we unpack what's at stake in the November vote—and what it means for the future of Columbus.

Featuring: Andrew J. Ginther, Mayor, City of Columbus

Nick Bankston, Columbus City Councilmember

Carlie Boos, Executive Director, Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio The host is Mark Ferenchik, News Director, WOSU 89.7 NPR News. 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 Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on October 1, 2025.

Money Movers: The Bankers Fueling Columbus' Future Sep 24, 2025

Rates, regulation, and rapid innovation are reshaping banking—and Columbus is at the center of it. This week, regional banking leaders discuss lending trends, financial inclusion, and how Central Ohio's banks fuel growth from small businesses to major projects. They also share what they're watching next and how our region's financial trends might affect your wallet. Featuring: Becky Griffin, Head of Home Lending Servicing & Support Operations, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Brian McDonald, Market Executive, Bank of America

Jordan Miller, Chairman & CEO, Adelphi Bank

And Ilaria Rawlins, CEO, Fortuna Bank

The host is Derrick Clay, President and CEO, The Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

This forum was sponsored by Meaden & Moore, Carlile Patchen & Murphy, JPMorgan Chase & Co., TAFT, and Bank of America.

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 Downtown Columbus, Inc., and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on September 24, 2025.

Strengthening Partnerships That Power Civic Engagement Sep 18, 2025

Civic engagement is the backbone of a thriving democracy—but in the era of polarization and stretched resources, no single sector will strengthen it alone. From public media to philanthropy, business to education, Central Ohio's leading institutions are working together to rebuild trust, expand participation, and connect people to the decisions that shape their lives.

This forward-looking conversation brings together cross-sector leaders forging partnerships that make civic life stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful. What models are working? Where are the gaps? And how can our region's most influential organizations inspire—and sustain—a deeper culture of civic participation?

Featuring:

Dr. Frederic Bertley, President & CEO of COSI, and Interim CEO of The National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Meghan Cummings, President & CEO, Philanthropy Ohio

Sandy Doyle-Ahern, President, EMH&T

The host is Sophia Fifner, President and CEO, The Columbus Metropolitan Club.

This forum was sponsored by Downtown Columbus, Incorporated.

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 National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in downtown Columbus on September 17, 2025.

From Survey to Shovel: Let's Get Real About Regional Priorities Sep 10, 2025

Central Ohio residents have spoken: housing, childcare, and better jobs are top priorities. This forum moves from data to action, bringing together leaders in housing finance, early childhood policy, workforce and small-business support, and regional planning to chart what should happen next—and how to measure results residents will actually feel. If you care about where Central Ohio invests, builds, and hires over the next few years, this conversation is your roadmap. Featuring: Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO, Groundwork Ohio Ian Labitue, President & CEO, Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County

Sangeeta Lakhani, Executive Director, Service! Relief for Hospitality Workers William Murdock, Executive Director, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. The host is Dr. Harvey Miller, Director, Center for Urban and Regional Analysis (CURA), The Ohio State University. Opening remarks by Padmini Roy-Dixon, Economic Development Director & Regional Innovation Officer, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. This forum was sponsored by The Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County, The Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation, and The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. 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 September 10, 2025.

Transforming Crisis Care in Central Ohio Aug 27, 2025

Central Ohio is reimagining crisis response. From the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to a new Crisis Care Center and community-led safety campaigns, Franklin County is building a more effective, compassionate system for people in crisis. This forum brings together city leaders, health providers, and advocates to explore what's working, what's still needed, and why these changes matter to every family in the region.

Featuring:

Melissa Green, Columbus City Councilmember

Erika Clark Jones, CEO, The Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH)

Dr. Brian Stroh, CEO & Medical Director, Netcare

Chana Wiley, Co-Chair, Columbus Safety Collective Campaign The host is Samantha Henrickson, Medical Business and Health Care Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch.

The presenting sponsors of CMC's long-running Optimal Health Series of forums are OhioHealth, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

This forum was supported by The Jeffrey Family Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund - Promoting a Thriving, Equitable and Sustainable Community, and sponsored by The Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, Cardinal Health, The Community Shelter Board, Ian Alexander Photography, and Star House. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner and promotional 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 August 27, 2025.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

A Conversation with Ohio State University President Ted Carter Aug 20, 2025

Uncertainties around research grants, student visas, and dramatic changes to the country's DEI climate are only some of the issues that have shaped Ted Carter's first year and a half on the job as the 17th president of The Ohio State University. But as a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral with 38 years of military service and more than 6,300 flying hours, Carter is no stranger to leadership under trying circumstances. Join us as CMC welcomes President Ted Carter for a look back at his first year and a half on the job, and a look forward at what's on the horizon for Ohio's flagship university.

Featuring: Ted Carter, President, The Ohio State University. The host is Sheridan Hendrix, Higher Education Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was made possible by The Joseph and Carol Alutto Civic Engagement Fund - Focusing on Higher Education.

This forum was sponsored by The Ohio State University, The United Way of Central Ohio, and Columbus Business First. 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 National Veterans Memorial and Museum. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in downtown Columbus on August 20, 2025.

The Next Wave: The New Leaders Shaping Ohio Politics Aug 13, 2025

They've grown up in an era of student debt, climate anxiety, social media, and political gridlock—and now, they're shaping the future of Ohio politics. From Gen Z newcomers to younger members of Gen X, a new wave of elected officials is stepping up to the mic. What motivates them to lead—and how are they challenging traditional power structures to create a more inclusive democracy? This candid conversation with rising political leaders spotlights what it means to serve—and shake things up—in today's political climate. Featuring: Munira Abdullahi (D), Ohio State House Representative, 9th District Shaquille Alexander, Treasurer, City of Whitehall Dani Isaacsohn (D), House Minority Leader and Ohio State House Representative, 24th District Michele Reynolds (R), Ohio State Senator, 3rd District

David Thomas (R), Ohio State House Representative, 65th District The host is Haley BeMiller, State Government & Politics Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch

This forum was sponsored by The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority and Frost Brown Todd.

The partners for this CMC forum were The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus, The Matriots, and The Columbus Dispatch. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. 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 August 13, 2025.

Central Ohio's AI Revolution Aug 06, 2025

Artificial intelligence is transforming everything—from how Central Ohioans work to how companies make decisions. But can innovation happen without leaving people behind? This week's Columbus Metropolitan Club forum explores Central Ohio's rapidly evolving AI ecosystem with experts who are shaping the future of tech in the region.

Featuring:

Mike Cohn, Vice President of Network Operations, CoverMyMeds

Nathan Craig, Associate Professor, Operations and Business Analytics, The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business

Nicole Jackson, Principal AI Consultant and AI Practice Lead, Optimum Technology

Guru Vasudeva, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Property & Casualty, Nationwide

The host is John Hrusovsky, Managing Director, Synexis Consulting

This forum was sponsored by The Ohio State University and Improving

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 August 6, 2025.

Navigating the New Era of College Sports: A Conversation with OSU's Ross Bjork Jul 24, 2025

What happens when the most valuable college athletics program in the country enters the name-image-and-likeness, or NIL, era? At this Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, Ohio State University Athletics Director Ross Bjork sits down with NBC4's Matt Barnes for an inside look at how the Buckeyes are managing massive change—from multimillion-dollar deals to evolving expectations around recruitment, education, and fairness. Featuring: Ross Bjork, Athletics Director, The Ohio State University The host is Matt Barnes, Morning Co-Anchor, NBC4 Today This forum was sponsored by Aloft Columbus University District, Encova Insurance, GBQ, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, and LEARFIELD/Ohio State Sports Properties. 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 July 30, 2025.

A Downtown That Works and Lives Jul 23, 2025

What kind of downtown do we want to build? Some of Columbus' iconic downtown buildings are getting a dramatic makeover, transforming from office towers into places to live and gather. This week's forum dives into the bold moves shaping the future of Downtown Columbus—where people live, work, and connect. Featuring: Greg Davies, CEO, Downtown Columbus, Inc. Brad DeHays, Founder & President, Connect Real Estate and Connect Construction Mindy Justis, Advocacy Chair, Downtown Residents Association of Columbus Michael Stevens, Director of Development, City of Columbus The host is Rodney Dunigan, Evening Managing Editor & Anchor, WSYX ABC 6. This forum was sponsored by Downtown Columbus, Inc., The Edwards Companies, Marker Construction, and MKSK. 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 and was recorded in front of a live audience on July 23, 2025.

Three Million People, One City's Future Jul 16, 2025

Is Columbus ready to hit three million residents? Ready or not, it's a milestone that's just 25 years away, according to estimates. While the surge brings enormous opportunity—more jobs, greater diversity, and increased investment—it comes with high-stakes questions: Is the region truly prepared for what's ahead? And what happens if it isn't?

Columbus is now one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, with its metro population expected to rise by 35% and surpass 3 million by 2050. This growth is fueled by millennial migration, international immigration, and a strong economy attracting both businesses and talent.

This forum tackles the most urgent issues shaping the future of a larger, more complex Columbus: how to build a workforce that meets growing demand, how to expand and modernize public transportation, and how changing demographics will redefine the region's cultural and civic landscape.

Featuring:

Rob Dorans, President Pro Tem, Columbus City Council;

Monica Tellez-Fowler, President & CEO, COTA;

Michael Wilkos, Vice President of Community Engagement, United Way of Central Ohio.

The host is Jordan Laird, Politics and Government Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch.

This forum was sponsored by Columbus City Council, COTA, and Downtown Columbus, Inc.

The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation.

CMC's livestream and promotional partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on July 16, 2025.

Bold Threads, Big Dreams: The Fashion Innovation Shaping Columbus's Style Scene Jul 09, 2025

When it comes to fashion, Columbus has the talent. It has the retail giants, the design schools, the logistics, and the creative minds. What it hasn't had—until now—is the fashion infrastructure to stitch those pieces together.

With the launch of the new Fashion Innovation Center in the heart of Downtown's Discovery District, Yohannan "Yogi" Terrell and the Columbus Fashion Alliance are betting big on a bold vision: to make Columbus not just a great place for fashion, but a city defined by it.

Could Columbus become the next fashion capital—not just of the Midwest, but of the nation? What does it take to build a thriving cultural and economic district from scratch? And what role can fashion play in shaping a more creative, inclusive, and opportunity-rich city?

Featuring

Yohannan "Yogi" Terrell, CEO, Warhol & WALL ST, and Director, Columbus Fashion Alliance

Erica Crawley, Board President and Commissioner, Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Madison Hilson and Valentina Thompson, Co-Founders, SENIQ

The host is Kat DePizzo, President, Justice Design Lab.

This forum was sponsored by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and Taft.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 July 9, 2025.

Annual State of Nonprofits Jun 25, 2025

Central Ohio's vast range of nonprofits care for children, families, animals, the environment, and just about everything in between. Our region's nonprofit organizations – both large and small – are doing work that's more important than ever, yet some are facing an uncertain future amid potential funding cuts and anxiety among the communities they serve. With a panel of passionate nonprofit leaders, we unpack the state of Central Ohio nonprofits at one of CMC's most popular forums of the year.

Featuring: Julie Fletcher, Director of Community Impact, Crane Group

Joe Gottron, President & CEO, Gladden Community House Denise Robinson, President and CEO, Alvis Tom Schmid, President & CEO, The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium The host is Michael Corey, Executive Director, Human Service Chamber of Central Ohio

Concluding remarks by Dr. Frederic Bertley, President and CEO, COSI and CEO, The National Veterans Memorial and Museum

The presenting sponsor of this forum was The Columbus Foundation.

This forum was sponsored by Bank of America, Benefactor Group, Columbia Gas of Ohio, The Columbus Museum of Art, Cramer and Associates, Huntington Bank, Mollard Consulting, 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 National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus on June 25, 2025.

The New Franklin County Health Map Jun 18, 2025

Franklin County's new 2025 Health Map is here, offering an updated look at the region's biggest health challenges—and signs of progress. What do the latest numbers tell us about healthcare access, infant mortality, adverse childhood experiences, and more?

Featuring:

Joe Mazzola, Franklin County Health Commissioner

Dr. Mysheika W. Roberts, Health Commissioner, Columbus Public Health

Dr. Andrew Thomas, Chief Clinical Officer, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

The host is Tracy Townsend, Medical Correspondent and Anchor, 10TV News This Morning.

The presenting sponsors of CMC's long-running Optimal Health Series are Nationwide Children's Hospital, OhioHealth, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

This forum was sponsored by Mount Carmel Health System, Cardinal Health, and Ian Alexander Photography.

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 June 18, 2025.

High-Tech Careers Mean High-Stakes Education Jun 11, 2025

Central Ohio's economic future is high-tech—but is our education system ready? With new semiconductor plants, clean energy facilities, and advanced logistics hubs rising across the region, the workforce of tomorrow will need advanced skills today. This week, the Columbus Metropolitan Club welcomes a panel of business and education leaders for a candid discussion on what it will take to prepare Ohio students for careers in STEM, AI, and other fast-evolving industries.

Featuring:

Geena Gamble, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Worthington Enterprises

Lisa Gray, President, Ohio Excels

Pat Tiberi, President and CEO, Ohio Business Roundtable

The host is Alissa Widman Neese, Reporter, Axios.

This forum was sponsored by Communities in Schools of Ohio and The Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland.

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 June 11, 2025.

Unraveling Recovery: How Cutting Medicaid Threatens Ohioans in Crisis Jun 02, 2025

Optimal Health Series

Is Ohio headed for a crisis in health coverage, especially for mental health and addiction services? More than a decade ago, Ohio's Medicaid expansion was a game changer, extending coverage to over 700,000 Ohioans and providing a lifeline to thousands of Ohioans in need of mental health and addiction treatment services.

Expansion worked: uninsured rates dropped, medical debt decreased, health improved, and emergency room visits went down. In just four years, 630,000 Ohioans received treatment for mental illness or substance use disorder, a victory in the fight against opioid addiction. In 2024, forty percent of adults covered by expansion had a primary mental health and/or substance use disorder diagnosis.

These gains may now be in jeopardy: Governor DeWine's new proposed biennial budget includes a so-called "kill-switch" provision that would automatically end mental health and addiction services provided through the expansion if federal Medicaid funding is reduced.

With key leaders and policy experts, we'll unpack the impact Medicaid has had on health outcomes in Ohio and the consequences facing patients in recovery if the state's landmark care expansion is abandoned.

Featuring: Oyauma Garrison, President & CEO, Maryhaven, Inc. Rachelle Martin; Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness of Franklin County Amy Bush Stevens, Amy Bush Stevens Consulting, LLC, Consultant to the Health Policy Institute of Ohio

The host is Greg Moody, Director of Professional Development, The John Glenn College of Public Affairs, The Ohio State University

The presenting sponsors of the CMC Optimal Health Series are Nationwide Children's Hospital, OhioHealth, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

This forum was sponsored by Maryhaven.

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 June 4, 2025.

Tariff Tightrope: Ohio's Balancing Act with Canada May 21, 2025

Canada isn't just a neighbor—it's Ohio's number one international trading partner. In this week's Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, we explore what recent U.S.-Canada trade tensions could mean for jobs, industries, and the economic future of Central Ohio. Featuring: Colin Bird, Consul General of Canada in Detroit Allison Russo, Ohio State Representative, District 7, and Statehouse Minority Leader Bala Sathyanarayanan, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Greif The host is Dan Eaton, Senior Reporter, Columbus Business First. This forum was sponsored by The Ohio Manufacturers' Association. The forum partners were The Columbus Council on World Affairs and The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus. 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 May 21, 2025.

Taxed & Confused: Making Sense of Rising Property Taxes in Ohio May 14, 2025

Why are your property taxes going up — and where is that money actually going? This week's CMC forum tackles the property tax questions on everyone's mind, with experts who understand the system inside and out. From home values to school funding, to mills and assessments, our panel helps make sense of it all.

Featuring:

Michael D. Cole, President, Columbus City School Board

Greg Lawson, Research Fellow, The Buckeye Institute

And Michael Stinziano, Franklin County Auditor

The host is Anna Staver, State Government and Politics Reporter for Cleveland.com and The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

This forum was sponsored by Bricker Graydon.

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.

Recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on May 14, 2025.

Who Gets to Move Up? Rethinking Economic Mobility in Central Ohio May 07, 2025

Central Ohio is prospering, but economic mobility remains out of reach for many families. This forum explores the stark racial and economic disparities in the Columbus region and asks what new policies and community actions are needed to ensure shared prosperity. Featuring: Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, Columbus City Councilmember Keith Jones, President & CEO, Oakwood Management Duwain Pinder, Partner, Ohio - Columbus, McKinsey & Company Dr. Jason Reece, Associate Professor, City and Regional Planning, Knowlton School of Architecture, The Ohio State University The host is Mataryun "Mo" Wright, President & CEO, RAMA Consulting Group. This forum was sponsored by The Crane Group, The McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility, and The Robert Weiler Company. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's promotional and 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 May 7, 2025.

Bioscience Breakthroughs Are Saving Lives in Central Ohio Apr 30, 2025

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.

Advancing Together: Meet the Columbus Partnership's New Leader Apr 23, 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.

Why the Federal Reserve Matters to You Apr 16, 2025

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.

Keeping the Columbus Promise Apr 09, 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.

Central Ohio Builds BIG! Apr 02, 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.

A Conversation with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Mar 26, 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.

All Amped Up: Can Ohio Meet Its Future Energy Needs? Mar 19, 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.

State of the Performing Arts Mar 12, 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.

Women's Wealth is Central Ohio's Growth Mar 05, 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 Power of Two Chambers Feb 26, 2025

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.

Insights From Congresswoman Joyce Beatty Feb 19, 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.

When Safety Nets Shrink Feb 12, 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.

The Caregiver Crisis Feb 05, 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 Higher Education Innovates for a New Era Jan 29, 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.

Central Ohio Hospital CEO Roundtable Jan 22, 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.

The New Columbus Real Estate Scene Jan 15, 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.

Annual Blue Chip Economic Forecast Jan 08, 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.

From Vacant to Vibrant: The Future of Retail in Downtown Columbus Dec 19, 2024

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.

Belonging Is Redefining the Modern Workplace Dec 11, 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.

Columbus Eviction Rates Are Headed in the Wrong Direction Dec 04, 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.

Benchmarking Central Ohio - Part 2 Nov 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 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.

Benchmarking Central Ohio - Part 1 Nov 13, 2024

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.

After the Election: Listening, Healing, and Moving Forward with The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu Nov 06, 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.

Rx for Equity: Creating Access to Healthcare in Central Ohio Oct 23, 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.

Does Ohio Need Gerrymandering Reform? Oct 16, 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.

Are LGBTQ+ Rights Losing Ground? Oct 09, 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

Outdated Funding, Lost Lives: Why Ohio's Babies and Birthing Parents Deserve Better Oct 02, 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.

Housing, Health, and Hope: Opening The Gates To Opportunity In Central Ohio Sep 25, 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.

Open Every Door: Transforming Workforce Development in Central Ohio Sep 18, 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.

What Would It Take To End Hunger in Central Ohio? Sep 11, 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.

Advocacy Without Animosity: Restoring Civility to Public Institutions Sep 04, 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.

The Invisible Problem Everywhere: Confronting the Gender Data Gap Aug 28, 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.

Real News, Fake News, and How Journalism Can Save Democracy Aug 21, 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.

Is Central Ohio Ready for Retirement? Aug 07, 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.

Crafting the New Columbus Brand Jul 31, 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.

Ohio Mayors Address Challenges Together Jul 24, 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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Community’s Conversation

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected