Description

Host Kenneth Wilson sits down with Damika Withers, Franklin County’s newest Deputy County Administrator. Damika shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, to leading transformative work in health and human services, and now playing an integral role in county administration.

Never Forget Where You Come From: "I never forget where I come from, partly because, I mean, it's who I am. It's the heart of who I am. It keeps me grounded, it keeps me humble."

With roots in public service and a passion for equity, accessibility, and community engagement, Damika opens up about the real impact of county agencies—with a focus on supporting local businesses, building pathways to opportunity, and uplifting every resident of Franklin County.

The conversation takes us from Damika’s early career pivots and family legacy at General Motors to her hands-on leadership in programs like the Columbus Fashion Alliance and the Center for Entrepreneurial Development.

Along the way, Kenneth and Damika talk about the challenges of balancing education and parenthood, the value of mentorship, and why remembering where you come from matters. Plus, you’ll learn about new ways the county is modernizing services and hear how Damika’s day-to-day work is changing lives across the community.

Wrapping up with a quick-fire round of pop culture favorites, this episode is a celebration of public service, resilience, and local pride.

A few key takeaways from the discussion:

• Your Path May Surprise You: My career began with dreams of journalism and evolved into a rewarding path in public service—proof that embracing unexpected turns can lead to incredible impact!
• Bringing Equity to All Aspects of Government: Whether supporting small businesses through initiatives like the Columbus Fashion Alliance, or reimagining how we handle procurement and workforce development, our team is committed to ensuring access, opportunity, and innovation for every Franklin County resident.
• Giving Back Matters: The most meaningful part of my work is the ability to help others grow and succeed—from mentees and colleagues, to entrepreneurs building new legacies in our community.

Moments

00:00 Team Franklin County: Motivated Leadership

03:54 Public Service Career Journey

07:12 Applying MPA Education to Real-World

10:25 Patience and Opportunity in Careers

13:32 "Embracing Origins and Identity"

18:57 Role Evolution and Community Goals

20:23 Equity and Access Initiatives Expanded

27:29 Columbus Fashion Collaboration Hub Launch

29:20 Local Organic Fashion at DCA Withers

32:33 "Proud of Positive Impact"

talkofthecounty@franklincountyohio.gov

Copyright 2025 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana

License code: 6VVAVEFBZTQOL3AW