“If you do not go after what you want, you will never have it. If you do not ask, the answer will always be no. If you do not step forward, you will always be in the same place.” That is the quote that Tracy Najera lives by.
A graduate of The Ohio State University, Tracy started her career working for Columbus Public Schools and participated in the development of two annual budget proposals. While she enjoyed the job, Tracy wanted a role where she could grow as a researcher and policy analyst, but still make a difference. Tracy then went to work with the Ohio office of Children’s Defense Fund as a research fellow. She worked closely with local schools and community groups to promote schools as centers of community. From there Tracy went to work at KidsOhio.org as a policy analyst. While there, Tracy worked as their Education Policy Analyst and developed the agency’s initial statewide and local education policy agenda. In 2003, Tracy moved on and went to work for the State of Ohio Office of Budget Management (OBM). Tracy quickly moved into the role of Section Chief for Education and led a team of budget and policy professionals who managed the education portfolio of Ohio’s operating budget, totaling almost $12 billion each year. After working for OBM for five years, Tracy took a role at Battelle for Kids and is currently the Senior Director of the Ohio Teacher Incentive Fund. Battelle for Kids is a nonprofit that provides educational resources and solutions to school districts, organizations, and state agencies nationally.
Tracy is very proud of the good work that she has had the opportunity to be a part of in all her professional roles. “Currently, I’m most proud of the work my colleagues at Battelle for Kids and I do in Ohio’s Appalachian schools. Working with school districts and higher education partners to create and expand opportunities for students in the region to pursue high education while in high school is a real game changer for the region.”
In her free time, Tracy volunteers for Alpha Psi Lambda, a co-ed fraternity that she has been a member of for over 20 years. This past summer, Tracy co-chaired a national event for the fraternity, its 30 year anniversary celebration where they hosted nearly 400 members from across the country and internationally at OSU’s campus. She is also a member of the Columbus Rotary Club where she serves on several committees and has hosted international students for their youth exchange program.
Tracy plans on continuing to be involved with Alpha Psi Lambda and supporting the undergraduate chapters and volunteering where she can support students in their pursuit of internships, co-ops, soft skill development, and that important first job out of college.
To learn more about Battelle for Kids, visit www.battelleforkids.org