Intern Olivia Peebles Shares Insights on Government, Advocacy, and Ambition

Finding Your Path in Public Affairs: "I'm so happy to be here with the county, because I'm learning so much about all of the different government and public affairs roles that I could have that I never knew about." - Olivia Peebles

Host Kenneth Wilson sits down with Olivia Peebles, a dynamic county intern and rising senior at The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Olivia shares her passion for public policy, civic engagement, and education reform, reflecting on how youth involvement is shaping local and national conversations.

Together, they talk about the realities of modern student activism, the power of community, challenges in mobilizing younger generations, and the joys and surprises of navigating college life in Columbus.

This is an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and the impact of young voices on today’s most pressing social issues—plus a few fun facts about Olivia’s favorite music, TV shows, and her dreams for the future.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or civic-minded resident, this episode offers both practical insights and authentic encouragement for anyone eager to make a difference.

Here are three key takeaways for anyone passionate about making a difference:

• Engagement Starts Local: Real change begins in our own communities. I’ve seen firsthand at The Ohio State University and in Franklin County how being involved in local government, boards, and organizations empowers young people to actively shape their environments.
• Consistency & Resilience Matter: Transformative movements aren’t built on one-time actions, but on sustained effort and real sacrifice. Whether it’s organizing around issues that matter or staying true to your values (even when it gets tough!), commitment is what drives meaningful change.
• Don’t Let Self-Doubt Hold You Back: As she preps for graduation, she's learned that nobody’s path is perfectly clear. It’s okay not to have everything figured out. Staying open to opportunities and believing in your ability to adapt is just as important as dreaming big.

Moments

00:00 Youth Spotlight in Franklin County

06:06 Diverse Activism at Glenn College

06:57 Protesting Tactics Learned at University

11:53 Athlete Privilege and Perspective Shift

13:24 Accountability in College Athletics

18:40 Broadening Horizons Through Community

21:37 Career Path: Frontward or Behind-the-Scenes?

23:28 Unyielding Belief and Persistence

29:54 The Allergy Generation Divide

31:28 "Curious, But Not Into Bureaucracy"

34:08 Future Plans: Moving to North Carolina

38:47 Heartfelt Determination for Happiness

41:59 Style Contrast with Sisters

44:39 Delayed Progress for Women Leaders

48:29 "Motivating Generational Engagement"

51:26 Youth Civic Engagement Challenges

54:48 "Never Doubt Yourself"

56:48 "Empowering Future Generations Podcast"

talkofthecounty@franklincountyohio.gov

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Copyright 2025 Franklin County Board of Commissioners