Chapter 6 – The Legislative Branch
6.21 Celebrating Senator Grace Drake: A Trailblazer & Mentor
State Senator Grace Drake (Republican) was a remarkable public servant, known for her commitment to mentoring young leaders. She represented Ohio’s 22nd District from 1984 to 2000, a district that always included her hometown Solon (Cuyahoga County). Drake’s legislative career was characterized by her ability to foster bipartisan cooperation and her focus on improving the lives of her constituents.
During her time in the Ohio Senate, Drake was instrumental in several key initiatives. She chaired the Ohio Women’s Policy and Research Commission, which played a significant role in addressing issues affecting women in the state. Additionally, she co-chaired the Certificate of Need Study Committee and was a member of the Certificate of Need Review Board, where she worked to ensure that healthcare resources were distributed effectively and efficiently across Ohio. Drake also served on the Joint Select Committee on Central Motor Vehicle Registration, helping to streamline and modernize the state’s vehicle registration processes.
Senator Drake chaired Ohio’s Task Force on Regional Competitiveness, where she led efforts to enhance the economic vitality of the state’s regions. Under her leadership, the task force focused on identifying barriers to economic growth and advocated for policies that promoted regional cooperation and innovation. These initiatives included promoting infrastructure improvements, supporting workforce development programs tailored to regional needs, and encouraging partnerships between local governments and businesses to attract new industries. By focusing on these areas, the task force helped make the state more attractive to investors and positioning it for long-term growth and competitiveness.
One of Senator Drake’s most enduring legacies is the creation of the Ohio Center for the Advancement of Women in Public Service at Cleveland State University (CSU). Understanding the importance of empowering women in politics, she established the Center to provide training, networking opportunities, and research on women’s political participation. Through her persistent efforts, she secured funding year after year, ensuring the Center’s continued operation and impact on future generations of women leaders.
Beyond her legislative achievements, Grace Drake was a mentor to countless young people, guiding and inspiring them to pursue careers in public service. The mentoring programs she initiated at CSU have helped many young leaders navigate the complexities of political life. Drake’s legacy lives on through the Center and the mentoring initiatives she championed, reflecting her lifelong dedication to public service and empowering others. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on Ohio and continue to inspire future leaders.
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