By Peaches Calhoun

In a city alive with diversity, dialogue, and determination, Humanity First Ohio launched a powerful live interview series featuring three voices, Jesse Vogel, Kate Curry-Da-Souza, and Tiara Ross, striving to shape the future of Columbus City Council. Through the series, viewers were invited to witness not just political platforms—but personal passion and authentic vision.

This wasn’t politics as usual. This was a chance to lean in, reflect, and truly hear from the people who hope to lead.

Jesse Vogel — Grounded Advocate for Equity

Jesse Vogel, a public interest attorney and community organizer, brought clarity and compassion to the table. As a co-founder of the Central Ohio Housing Action Network, he has worked directly with tenants facing eviction and immigrants navigating the legal system. His campaign focuses on fare-free transit, renters’ rights, and accessible government—issues rooted in real-world impact and human-centered policy.

Vogel’s calm, focused demeanor underscored a deeper resolve: to uplift communities through smart, equitable solutions. He uses he/him pronouns and identifies as a proud LGBTQ+ advocate. His presence asked us to consider: What happens when policy is shaped not by power, but by proximity to pain and possibility?

Kate Curry-Da-Souza — Strategic Thinker, Neighborhood Builder

Kate Curry-Da-Souza spoke with the precision of a legal mind and the urgency of a neighborhood advocate. With her background as a licensed attorney and former chair of the Near East Area Commission, she emphasized tackling vacant housing, revitalizing neglected communities, and creating sustainable infrastructure for growth.

Kate’s approach was both technical and heartfelt, suggesting that real progress happens at the intersection of policy and people. Her experience in law and local governance positions her as a candidate ready to handle complexity with vision.

Are we ready for leaders who bring both empathy and execution to the table?

Tiara Ross — Passion Meets Policy

Endorsed by all nine current Columbus City Council members and former Mayor Michael Coleman, Tiara Ross entered the conversation with bold ideas and an undeniable presence. A graduate of Columbus City Schools and former staff member in the City Attorney’s office, Tiara’s focus includes modernizing code enforcement, especially to protect seniors and historically underserved neighborhoods.

She spoke not just about changing the system—but about rewriting it with fairness at its core. Her community work, combined with her fresh voice, made one thing clear: she isn’t running alone; she’s carrying a whole community with her.

Do we overlook the wisdom of youth in favor of the familiar? Or do we lean into the future with courage?

Beyond the Soundbites

Each candidate shared a vision that was distinctly their own—and yet, their goals echoed one another in the best way: equity, safety, opportunity, and accessibility. This wasn’t about partisanship. It was about perspective.

The Humanity First Ohio live series didn’t tell viewers what to think. It gave them space to ask better questions:

• What qualifies someone to lead in today’s Columbus?
• How do we weigh lived experience against technical skill?
• What does it mean to be “ready” for office—and who decides?

Looking Ahead

This journey into advocacy, leadership, and representation doesn’t stop here. Humanity First Ohio will continue these essential conversations by interviewing Columbus School Board candidates next. If the City Council series taught us anything, it’s that democracy isn’t just a vote—it’s a conversation.

So, the real question isn’t just who should lead Columbus.

It’s “Are we listening closely enough to understand what leadership can truly look like?”

(You can go back and watch the live interviews on the Humanity First Ohio Facebook page, HumanityFirstohio.org, or on Humanity First Ohio’s YouTube channel.)

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