At a town hall with more than 100 Ohio leaders, hosted by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03) spoke out on how U.S. engagement around the world matters locally to Ohio communities. Rep. Beatty was joined by McDonald’s Corporation’s Ashli Nelson and Abt’s Associates’ Roslyn Brock for the discussion on how America’s leadership in the world is critical to U.S. national security and Ohio’s economic interests.

“If the pandemic taught us anything, it taught us what happens in Asia or Africa or anywhere else can have a direct effect on us here in the United States,” said Rep. Joyce Beatty. “So, if we are investing dollars to avoid a public health crises or a refugee crises, then those dollars in my opinion are well spent. And that’s why I have consistently supported appropriations for foreign aid and international health programs.”

As the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) comes into its 20^th anniversary, Rep. Beatty honored the role of the Congressional Black Caucus saying, “That’s what the Congressional Black Caucus is about. We will never give up on our brothers and sisters in countries abroad, it will always be an area of interest with us… We played internationally, and we do it still today.”

Franklin University Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Christopher Washington, Greater Columbus Chinese Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kate Sullivan, and Cargill Grant Operations & Reporting Lead Anna Horner, also gave remarks during the lively conversation on the importance of U.S. leadership and why leading globally matters locally. The forum, hosted by USGLC, brought together business, non-profit, veteran, faith, and community leaders from Columbus and the wider region.

In speaking to how all aspects of American society can come together to lead globally, McDonald’s Ashli Nelson stated, “When done right between public and private entities, there really should not be any silos… government and the private sector are separate entities, but we really shouldn’t be when it comes to advancing our communities.”

“America is a leader in global development,” stated Abt’s Roslyn Brock. “Our humanitarian and development efforts help safeguard the economic health, well-being, and security here at home.”

America’s investments in diplomacy and development globally benefit Ohio locally, with more than $50 billion global exports from Ohio in 2021. Last year, more than 1.4 million jobs in Ohio were supported by international trade. Of the more than 15,000 Ohio businesses that export goods, 88 percent are small or medium-sized businesses. Through thousands of local businesses and hundreds of thousands of jobs, Ohio families are benefiting from America’s leadership on the global stage.

“Ohio understands how critical U.S. development and diplomacy is when it comes to protecting our national security, advancing our economic interests and projecting the very best American values,” said Alex Grant, USGLC National Outreach Director. “We welcome Representative Beatty’s leadership and continued support for global development assistance around the world.  Leading globally truly matters locally, and we’re fortunate to see Ohio leaders dedicated to advancing America’s leadership on the global stage.”