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Michaela Burriss Shares Her Vision for Ohio’s Future
Your host Richele O'Connor sits down with Ohio’s movers, shakers, and change-makers to uncover the personal stories behind public service.
She is joined by Michaela Burriss, Policy Director for the Ohio Justice and Policy Center, accomplished former Upper Arlington City Council member, and now a Democratic candidate for State Representative.
Raised in Northeast Ohio by a single, immigrant mother and experiencing hardships like housing insecurity, Michaela Burriss shares how her resilience was forged from childhood adversity, a supportive yet tough environment, and a competitive edge honed as a Division I athlete. Throughout the conversation, she and Richele O'Connor dig into Michaela’s passion for advocating for the underdog, her journey through law school and public service, her leadership in community initiatives (like the Burriss Backyard Speaker Series responding to the Dobbs decision), and her commitment to criminal justice reform.
Together, they also discuss the ongoing challenges facing Ohio’s public schools, the importance of authentic leadership, the realities of working in a politically divided statehouse, and the power of organizing at the local level. Whether it’s fighting for education equity, confronting the ripple effects of controversial court decisions, or building genuine community connections, Michaela Burriss exemplifies what it means to turn hardship into hope—and action.
Stay tuned as we unpack her vision for Ohio, her unapologetic approach to leadership, and why she believes now is the time for every Ohioan to get involved and make their voices heard.
Moments
00:00 "Acclaimed Legal and Civic Leader"
03:26 "It Could Be Worse"
06:42 "Putting People Over Politics"
09:46 "Backyard Series for Reproductive Rights"
13:51 Youngstown Schools Charter Takeover
16:55 "Tough on Crime Scapegoating"
20:52 Authenticity Through Cultural Directness
24:37 Balancing Change and Commitment
29:05 Democratic Leadership in Challenging Times
30:15 Higher Education & Workers' Rights
Copyright 2025 Just The Facts Ohio
Mentioned in this episode:
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or company.
View all episodes
By Just The Facts OhioYour host Richele O'Connor sits down with Ohio’s movers, shakers, and change-makers to uncover the personal stories behind public service.
She is joined by Michaela Burriss, Policy Director for the Ohio Justice and Policy Center, accomplished former Upper Arlington City Council member, and now a Democratic candidate for State Representative.
Raised in Northeast Ohio by a single, immigrant mother and experiencing hardships like housing insecurity, Michaela Burriss shares how her resilience was forged from childhood adversity, a supportive yet tough environment, and a competitive edge honed as a Division I athlete. Throughout the conversation, she and Richele O'Connor dig into Michaela’s passion for advocating for the underdog, her journey through law school and public service, her leadership in community initiatives (like the Burriss Backyard Speaker Series responding to the Dobbs decision), and her commitment to criminal justice reform.
Together, they also discuss the ongoing challenges facing Ohio’s public schools, the importance of authentic leadership, the realities of working in a politically divided statehouse, and the power of organizing at the local level. Whether it’s fighting for education equity, confronting the ripple effects of controversial court decisions, or building genuine community connections, Michaela Burriss exemplifies what it means to turn hardship into hope—and action.
Stay tuned as we unpack her vision for Ohio, her unapologetic approach to leadership, and why she believes now is the time for every Ohioan to get involved and make their voices heard.
Moments
00:00 "Acclaimed Legal and Civic Leader"
03:26 "It Could Be Worse"
06:42 "Putting People Over Politics"
09:46 "Backyard Series for Reproductive Rights"
13:51 Youngstown Schools Charter Takeover
16:55 "Tough on Crime Scapegoating"
20:52 Authenticity Through Cultural Directness
24:37 Balancing Change and Commitment
29:05 Democratic Leadership in Challenging Times
30:15 Higher Education & Workers' Rights
Copyright 2025 Just The Facts Ohio
Mentioned in this episode:
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or company.