STOW, OH (March 18, 2026) – STOW, OH – CreativeOhio has selected Leila Griffiths, Artist and Chairperson of the Stow Arts Commission, for the 2026 Advocacy Leadership Institute (ALI), a statewide program that equips arts leaders with the skills and strategies needed to advocate for Ohio’s creative sector.

Griffiths is one of 25 arts and culture leaders from 13 cities across Ohio selected through a competitive application process. The six-month program launches in May and includes workshops, site visits to cultural institutions, and policy discussions with lawmakers and advocacy experts. She is also a board member of ArtsNow and the only participant selected from Summit County, representing the region in this statewide cohort.

“CreativeOhio’s Advocacy Leadership Institute raises the bar for civic engagement among arts and culture leaders across the state,” said Sarah Sisser, executive director of CreativeOhio. “This year’s cohort represents diverse communities and disciplines and will play an important role in strengthening the collective voice of Ohio’s creative sector.”

“I’m honored to join this year’s Advocacy Leadership Institute cohort,” said Griffiths. “I’m looking forward to learning from arts leaders across the state and bringing those insights back to help strengthen advocacy, opportunity, and support for the creative sector in Northeast Ohio.”

Mayor John Pribonic said Griffiths’ selection reflects the impact of local arts leadership.

“Leila’s selection to the CreativeOhio Advocacy Leadership Institute is an honor for the City of Stow and a testament to the leadership she has already shown through the Stow Arts Commission,” said Mayor Pribonic. “Programs like this ensure communities like ours have strong voices shaping the future of arts and culture across Ohio. We are proud that Leila will bring new ideas and connections back to Stow and Summit County.”

While regional arts leaders say Griffiths’ participation will strengthen Northeast Ohio’s creative network.

“Leila has been a thoughtful and passionate champion for arts and culture in Stow and throughout Summit County,” said Nicole Mullet, executive director of ArtsNow. “Her participation strengthens our region’s voice in statewide conversations about the value of arts and culture.”

The CreativeOhio ALI is funded by The George Gund Foundation, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Greater Columbus Arts Council, Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, Edwards Companies, Envisage Wealth, and the Charles F. Kettering Foundation. 

Learn more about the program and view the full cohort here.