Spotlight

Spotlight of the Week: Yvette McGee Brown

Yvette McGee Brown is a trailblazer whose impact on Ohio’s legal and child advocacy communities continues to shape the state’s future. Born in 1960, McGee Brown was appointed as the first African-American female justice on the Ohio Supreme Court in 2011, making history with her appointment. A deep commitment to child protection, family safety, and public service has marked her extensive career.

In 2002, McGee Brown founded the Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, an initiative that has helped countless children and families. Now known as the Center for Family Safety and Healing, it brings together multidisciplinary teams to address the needs of young victims of abuse, offering healing, safety, and support. The center serves over 1,400 children each year, ensuring that vulnerable children in Ohio receive the care they need.

Before her time on the Supreme Court, McGee Brown was a judge for the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, where she was the first African-American woman elected to the court. During her tenure, she spearheaded the creation of the Family Drug Court and the SMART Program, initiatives designed to address truancy and educational neglect, which are often precursors to larger issues facing families.

Her career reflects the importance of education, support, and empowerment in the lives of children and families. She is deeply proud of her work at the Center, which remains a cornerstone of child protection in Ohio.

A proud graduate of Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, McGee Brown’s commitment to excellence and service is woven throughout her journey. She has received numerous accolades, including induction into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame in 2008, and has served in leadership roles at several major organizations, including Jones Day law firm, where she serves as Partner-in-Charge of Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement.

McGee Brown’s legacy is one of profound influence, from her pioneering work in child advocacy to her groundbreaking achievements in the legal field. As she continues her work with Jones Day and in the Ohio community, her dedication to advancing the rights of children and families remains a powerful force in Ohio’s ongoing quest for justice and equity.

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