At Future Ready Five, our mission is to transform early learning outcomes and ensure all children in Central Ohio have the support they need to succeed. We know that the strength of our mission lies in the leadership behind it—and today, we are thrilled to announce the newest additions to our Board of Directors.
Please join us in welcoming Lauren Hagan, Stephanie Hightower, Traci Martinez, and Michael Young to the Future Ready Five board. Each of these individuals brings a wealth of experience, vision, and dedication to both child and community development. Together, they will help guide our efforts as we continue to expand access to early literacy resources and interventions across Central Ohio.
Lauren Hagan
CEO, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Lauren Hagan leads one of the most vital educational and community institutions in Central Ohio. As CEO of Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML), she is passionate about the library’s mission to “inspire reading, share resources and connect people.” Her background includes nearly a decade of leadership roles at Loyola University Chicago, most recently serving as Senior Associate Vice President of Finance and Controller. Under her leadership, CML continues to innovate in its services to meet the changing needs of our communities.
Stephanie Hightower
President and CEO, Columbus Urban League
Stephanie Hightower is a trailblazer and advocate for equity and empowerment in Columbus. As the first female President and CEO of the Columbus Urban League (CUL), she has transformed the organization into a powerhouse of impact, reaching more than 7,000 individuals annually. Her work focuses on economic transformation, foundational education, and family stabilization—missions closely aligned with our own. Since 2011, Stephanie has redefined civil rights advocacy for the 21st century, championing programs that uplift families and provide pathways out of poverty.
Traci Martinez
Office Managing Partner, Squire Patton Boggs, Columbus
A highly respected attorney and civic leader, Traci Martinez serves as the Office Managing Partner at Squire Patton Boggs in Columbus. With a practice centered on civil litigation and labor and employment law, Traci brings a sharp legal mind and a deep understanding of the business landscape. Her ability to bridge strategic counsel with community service has made her a trusted leader in Central Ohio. Traci’s dedication to education and opportunity is a powerful asset to our board and our mission.
Michael Young
Lead Pastor, City of Grace Church
Born and raised on the Northeast side of Columbus, Michael Young is a community leader with a heart for service. As the Lead Pastor of City of Grace Church, Michael is a spiritual guide, mentor, and change-maker. His work extends well beyond the pulpit—he’s a hands-on advocate for education, food access, and community stability. His commitment to uplifting others and fostering opportunities for youth aligns directly with Future Ready Five’s focus on preparing every child for a strong start in school and life.
We are honored to welcome these four dynamic leaders to our board and excited for the knowledge, energy, and commitment they bring. Their diverse perspectives and collective expertise will play a crucial role in advancing our mission and ensuring every child in Central Ohio enters kindergarten ready to learn and thrive.
Welcome aboard, Lauren, Stephanie, Traci, and Michael!
To learn more about our Kindergarten Readiness Collaborative program, visit: https://futurereadyfive.org/kindergarten-readiness-collaborative/
To contribute to our mission of transforming early learning outcomes and ensuring all children in Central Ohio have the support they need to succeed, visit: https://futurereadyfive.org/ways-to-give/