Jackiethia L. Butsch is a healthcare leader, clinical administrator, community educator, and advocate with more than 25 years of experience advancing health equity, improving access to care, and building meaningful partnerships throughout Ohio. She currently serves as the Senior Community Health Coordinator in the Office of Community and Civic Engagement at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, where she leads community outreach initiatives and serves as the Clinical Administrator for the EMIM Bridge Clinic and student-run free clinic programs, helping ensure underserved and vulnerable populations receive quality, compassionate healthcare.

A passionate educator, Jackiethia is committed to empowering individuals and families to take charge of their health. Her expertise includes clinical administration, community engagement, patient advocacy, program development, health education, care navigation, and strategic partnership building. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Jackiethia has dedicated her career to connecting people with the resources, care, and support they need to thrive.

A respected leader and advocate, she serves on numerous community and professional boards and is dedicated to fostering healthier communities through collaboration, education, and equitable healthcare access. Her work has been recognized with honors including The Ohio State University Distinguished Diversity Enhancement Award (2024), the Omega Psi Phi Outstanding Community Partner Award (2023), and the Columbus Free Clinic Provider of the Year Award (2022).

At the heart of her work is a deep faith in God and a belief that serving others is her calling.

Tai’Ja Lewis is a devoted mother, leader, and faith-driven woman committed to uplifting others through compassion, service, and community. Since joining the WAW community in July 2024, she has been an enthusiastic supporter of sisterhood, empowerment, and spiritual growth. Beginning as a Respite participant and regular attendee of the Caregiver Connection Circles, Tai’Ja quickly became a Goodwill Ambassador Respite leader and now proudly serves on the Board of Directors. Her energy and dedication have helped connect many caregivers to WAW’s mission and programs.

Tai’Ja is an active member of Redeemers Church, where her faith continues to guide her life and purpose. In 2025, she launched a Bible plan group to create space for women to grow in their relationship with Christ. She also inspires confidence as a Mary Kay consultant and brings compassion to her work as a Care Coordinator for Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Partners for Kids program.

A proud mother of five and recently engaged, Tai’Ja embraces life with gratitude, faith, and a passion for helping others become the best version of themselves.

Women Affirming Women proudly welcomes Deborah H. Johnson to its Board of Directors. Known affectionately as “Absolutely DJ,” Deborah is an educator, author, inspirational speaker, ordained minister, and community advocate whose life reflects faith, service, leadership, and authentic connection.

Through her DJ Write from the Heart platform, Deborah encourages people to strengthen relationships through handwritten letters, preserve family wisdom, and create meaningful legacies. She is also co-founder and executive director of the Jay Richardson Foundation and has devoted decades to mentoring youth, strengthening families, supporting women, and advocating for student-athletes and their parents.

Deborah’s extensive leadership includes service with civic, educational, faith-based, and community organizations. In 2023, she was honored by the Dublin Women’s Philanthropic Group for her outstanding community impact.

Faith remains central to Deborah’s life. She has served in numerous ministry leadership roles and is a Certified Biblical Breakthrough Counselor, Life Coach, and Career Coach. Her national outreach has included serving as the 2011 NFL “SpokesMom” for Campbell Soup Company and appearances on The Talk, television, radio, podcasts, and leadership programs.

Deborah is the author of Coaching the Dream: A Parent’s Guide and You Gotta Go to Bed with Waking Up on Your Mind. She holds degrees from The Ohio State University and Brandeis University.

Women Affirming Women is honored to welcome Deborah’s servant heart, spiritual wisdom, compassion, and lifelong commitment to encouraging others.

Patty brings extensive experience in nutrition, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement to the Women Affirming Women board. She has served as Program Manager of the E3 Program at Godman Guild, helping women gain education and training to increase their earning potential, and as Vice President of the Women’s Business and Incubation Center at the Economic and Community Development Institute, where she led business training, incubation, and grant-funded initiatives. Earlier in her career, she worked as a registered dietitian in both state government and private practice.

Since retiring, she has continued to dedicate her time and talents to the community. She served as President of the Franklin Park Conservatory Women’s Board, is the current Conservation Chair for the Little Garden Club of Columbus, and serves as a Board Member for Columbus Preparatory Academy charter schools. In addition, she volunteers weekly at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in the NICU and at the Governor’s Heritage Garden.

Her career-long commitment to empowering women, coupled with her active community leadership, makes her a valued addition to the Women Affirming Women board.

Kathy brings the Board a strong background in education, a passion for community service, and a commitment to supporting women and families.

Kathy earned a B.S. in Physical Education and Health from Georgia Southern University and began her career teaching at Britton Elementary in Ft. Stewart, Georgia. She later served as an advisor for the MBA program at Kennesaw State University. After the birth of her first daughter, Kathy chose to focus on raising her three daughters—Bailey, Lindsay, and Ashley—while actively volunteering at their schools in classrooms, libraries, and on the PTO.

For the past two years, Kathy has been an ambassador at our Respite Retreat program, supporting our mission to provide rest, renewal, and holistic wellness to female caregivers. She is excited to expand her involvement as a Board member and help further the organization’s impact in the community.

In her personal time, Kathy enjoys golf, reading, gardening, and spending time with her husband and three adult daughters. Her dedication, leadership experience, and heart for service make her a valuable member of our Board.

Patty is currently the Vice President for Advancement at Mount St. Mary’s University. Previously, Patty led advancement for The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center.  Patty and her team, including the Wexner Medical Center and health science colleges, raised over $1 billion of the University’s $3 billion But for Ohio State campaign, the success of which was celebrated in the fall of 2016. Before joining Ohio State, Patty served as Associate Vice President for Principal Gifts at Johns Hopkins University.   Earlier in her career, Patty served at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where she directed a development program that raised more than $50 million a year. Patty earned her BA in History and Fine Arts from Mount Saint Mary’s University, and graduate certificates in the business of medicine from Johns Hopkins University and fundraising management from Goucher College.