Serena Finlay is a Columbus transplant with a story similar to so many. She moved to the Capital City from Los Angeles to attend The Ohio State University, gaining valuable experience in internships in the public sector. Through her many opportunities, throughout her time at OSU’s John Glenn College, she was able to intern with Senator Sherrod Brown, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and Former State Representative Michael Stinziano.
Serena deeply believes that Columbus is “America’s Opportunity City,” unsurprisingly she was able to convey this message as a campaign staff member for Mayor Andrew Ginther’s 2015 election. “In addition to the career opportunities in the many different sectors that are available, there is always a laundry list of things to do in the different communities. Another appealing aspect [of Columbus] is the affordability,” she told Joe Ryan at FCYD’s 2015 Holiday Party.
Growing up in the liberal bastion that is the West Coast, Serena saw some of the complex issues being debated in the Ohio General Assembly, especially the attacks on women’s reproductive rights as disheartening, “I don’t think they understand that millions of women rely on Planned Parenthood for basic medical care,” she remarked, but instead of accepting the Republican controlled legislature’s restrictions, these actions galvanized her commitment to public service, “I feel more motivated as a woman to work in politics and government in light of what is happening.”
Serena envisions herself living and working in Columbus in the near future and at some point working towards her Master’s Degree from the John Glenn College. Her first job out of undergrad was working for the Ginther mayoral campaign. She has now returned to the 18th House District to serve as Legislative Aide to newly appoint State Representative Kristin Boggs.
By: Dimitri McDaniel, Joe Ryan