Host Nan Whaley sits down with Rita Danish, CEO of Signal Ohio, a nonprofit network of local newsrooms she built from the ground up over three years. Before leading one of the fastest-growing nonprofit news organizations in the country, Rita spent three decades in public service and law, holding some of Ohio’s most influential legal and civic roles, including:
- Chief Legal Counsel, Ohio Department of Commerce
- Judge, Franklin County Domestic and Juvenile Court
- Section Chief for Civil Rights under Attorney General Betty Montgomery
- City Attorney for Dayton
- City Solicitor for Cincinnati (joining shortly after the 2001 civil unrest)
- Vice President of Government Affairs, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
- Partner, Taft law firm
In this wide-ranging conversation, Rita reflects on navigating a nonlinear career, the mentors who shaped her path, the importance of mentoring others, and the courage it takes to take risks - especially later in life.
Key Themes:
- Leadership Development: Sitting at the table instead of waiting for an invitation
- Community Journalism: Why local news is essential to democracy
- Mentorship: Carrying others as you climb
- Loyalty: How it's evolved and why it still matters
- Resilience: Embracing failure as a catalyst for growth
- Ohio: "So goes Ohio, goes the rest of the world."
Resources Mentioned:
About the Host: Nan Whaley is a longtime community leader and public servant. She’s currently the CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio. She served as Mayor of Dayton, Ohio, from 2014 - 2022. Nan has also presided over the United Conference of Mayors. She’s a feminist, daughter, aunt, sister, and friend.
About the Show: Carry As You Climb is focused on elevating the voices of women in leadership from Ohio and the rest of the United States. The podcast features guests who not only bust through doors to lead but also hold the door open for the women behind them. In other words, they carry as they climb. We focus on leadership development and leadership lessons. Plus, we share personal experiences to inspire the inclusion of more diverse leaders in business, government, and the
nonprofit sector.
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Stay up to date with Nan’s Substack: https://substack.com/@nanwhaley
Produced by: Collective Change Communications - Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler
Note: The opinions expressed by host Nan Whaley on this podcast are hers alone and do not reflect those of any organization with which she is affiliated.
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