Why Children’s Mental Health Is a Workforce Issue
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
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...
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The State of Small Business
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
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 ...
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Amped Up: Columbus Wants Its Music Moment
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
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...
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Will Nonprofits Lead or Be Led?
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
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...
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Who Owns the News? Rebuilding Trust and Local Voices in a Fractured Media Landscape
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
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,...
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Downstream Decisions: Is Ohio’s Water Future at Risk?
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
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...
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Joy Is Resistance: Queer Power in an Unequal World
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
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...
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How a Billion-Dollar Ballot Will Reshape Columbus
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
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...
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Money Movers: The Bankers Fueling Columbus' Future
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
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...
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Strengthening Partnerships That Power Civic Engagement
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
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...
info_outlineColumbus 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.