Announcement:
The Board of Trustees of The Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute (Institute) announces that the organization will come to an end in 2023.
The Institute was founded by the Honorable Jo Ann Davidson, former Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, to encourage, inspire, and prepare Republican women to attain a new level of leadership in their communities, government, and politics. The women who have participated in the Institute and their accomplishments form a significant piece of her ongoing legacy.
The Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute ends its formal programming secure in the knowledge that its mission of advancing the public service of Republican women has been met.
Since 2001, almost 500 highly accomplished women have completed the Institute’s eight-month program to advance their goals of public service as community leaders, elected or appointed officials. Program graduates form a powerful network of members who support each other as the group collectively encourages Republican women to participate in the community, political and governmental system as exemplified by the following impactful actions:
· From its first class of 14 in 2000, this Institute has grown to 477 graduates, representing 72 of Ohio's counties.
· We have had hundreds of our members on the ballot—members who have been elected to local, regional, and state positions including County Commissioners, Prosecuting Attorneys, Auditors, Recorders, Clerks, Judges, City Council members, Mayors, Township Trustees, local and State Central Committee members and State Legislators.
· Dozens of members have been appointed to or been elected to state and local boards and commissions. Many have assumed leadership positions in their professional associations, and most, if not all, have engaged in helping other Republicans in their campaigns for office.
The accomplishments of The Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute reflect the goodwill and generous contributions of its business and individual donors. The Board wishes to thank everyone who has supported its mission and gratefully notes that the impact of each donation and in-kind support gesture has been substantial.
Bittersweet as it might be, we close this chapter with the pride and the certainty that the Institute has honored founder Jo Ann Davidson's vision: helping women to realize their full potential, to find their voices, and to train them to engage in the public arena.
The Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute also closes with the certainty that this network of talented Republican women will remain a resource to each other and mentors for the next generation of Republican women.
NOTICE
· Pursuant to Speaker Davidson’s wishes, use of her name and signature have been legally protected. The use of JADOLI (The Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute) name can no longer be used and we would ask you to honor her wishes as you gather or communicate with each other.
· The Speaker has not been well. We would ask you to respect her health and refrain from contacting her.
Our Goals
To encourage, inspire, support and prepare class members to assume leadership positions in their communities and in their government at all levels by providing an intensive eight-month training program.
If our graduates are not already in elective or appointed positions or actively involved in their community, help them to achieve these goals within five years of their completion of the program.
To establish an effective statewide political network which our members can utilize to increase their career opportunities.
To educate and help our members navigate the often difficult realities of professional politics and the governing process.
Our Mission
Women in Leadership.
The Institute’s mission is to increase the number of competent, Republican women in public and community service and party leadership by providing extensive training and support for our class members as they pursue their leadership goals. Accomplishing this mission will build a group of highly qualified, Republican women who are educated and motivated to assume key roles in politics, community and public service.
The Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute is an eight-month program created to encourage and train women in business and civic leadership to assume more prominent roles, either elected or appointed, in government and in the Republican Party or in their community. Each year, between 20-25 women from across Ohio, who have an interest in politics and public service and who meet a diverse range of criteria for participation, are selected to join the Institute’s current class.
