COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Gina Grote is a force in Delaware County who sees a need and rallies those around her to fill that need.

Like many Remarkable Women nominees, Grote does not see herself that way.

“I was really shocked,” said Grote. “I just like helping people. And I’m very fortunate that my career path kind of led me down this road to where I ended up eventually working for the United Way and then being, naturally, because of my position, being connected to people who need help and resources.”

Even now as a volunteer, Grote uses her skills and connections to make quite an impact. Her colleagues call her a force who was instrumental in achieving the necessary funds to open the first domestic violence shelter in the community as well as The Treehouse, a home for 18- to 24-year-olds facing homelessness to transition to independent living.

“They have to have the courage to seek out help and remove whatever barrier or cross whatever bridge it is, and that’s not easy,” said Grote. “And I think they’re the remarkable ones. Some of the stories, some of the people I’ve had the pleasure of working with and meeting and where they started when they came here and, and where they are today, it just makes me very proud.”

As one of the founding members and leaders of the Women’s Leadership Network, Grote helps to bring in millions of dollars for those projects and the United Way
 
“There were 10 of us around the table and I didn’t even know, I didn’t even know these issues existed at the time,” said Grote. “They’re talking about human trafficking, bullying, again just moms that need help with, you know, raising their children, single moms, that sort of thing, even poverty.

“I just didn’t know all the things that were going on here in our own backyard. And I thought, wow, I’m here, I’m at the table, I’m going to get involved. And so, we started in 2011. We had, like our first event in 2012 to raise money. Our first year, we raised $33,000.”

From a holiday wish program to supplies for scholars, Grote relishes serving local youth and their families.

“So that’s, I think what I love most is just getting to kind of follow people along on their journey. It’s incredible.”