I co-founded Action Tank in January 2019 as a way to provide free policy research and technical assistance to Cincinnatians, especially community and neighborhood groups, advocating on behalf of their neighbors. I observed the need for an organization like Action Tank while serving as Chief of Staff to Cincinnati City Council Member David Mann for three and a half years. While I was Chief of Staff, the Council Member’s office introduced and passed signature legislation to help reframe conversations surrounding development in Cincinnati, including calling for a community benefits agreement in connection with the FC Cincinnati MLS soccer stadium; an ordinance to regulate short term rentals like Airbnb in the city; an ordinance creating an affordable housing trust fund; and a motion to create an energy efficiency benchmarking program in Cincinnati to reduce utility and housing costs. From 2010 – 2016, I worked at the U.S. Department of State, where I was the Senior Human Rights and Congressional Affairs Officer for the Middle East Bureau. In that role, I prepared principals to testify before Congress on critical issues such as the U.S. response to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Iran’s influence in the region, embassy security, and the Department budget. I also served as bureau coordinator for the UN General Assembly, and served as the bureau lead on LGBT issues, trafficking in persons, human rights reports, international religious freedom reports, child soldiers, and the atrocity prevention board.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I moved back to Cincinnati in 2016 to raise my son, Hugo. We love living in Clifton close to my parents, sisters, and huge extended family.
Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love getting to know all the residents, artists, policymakers, and advocates who make our City work.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Salazar, Sotto, Please, and Kiki Ramen are my go-to places, as well as all the Indian restaurants in Clifton. Also, Carriage House Farm is a wonderful dining experience.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I was born and raised here, left for school and work, and came back in 2016.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My City Council School students are powerhouses with creative strategies for making the City more inclusive, equitable, and resilient. I’m so proud of them.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
South Korea. A friend got me hooked on Korean dramas, and now I am obsessed with visiting Seoul!
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
West Wing, VEEP, Scandal, Gilmore Girls
What advice would you give to people?
Your community is your greatest resource.
What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to do a long bike trip down the Pacific Northwest coast.
What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Sufjan Stevens or Cat Power or the Hamilton soundtrack
What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The original Sitwell’s in Clifton was a second home to me for a long time. Lisa Storie, the former owner, created an incredible community of local artists and residents. I met roommates, significant others, and best friends there.
If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch?
Lin Manuel Miranda and I’d take him to Salazar
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the combination of hills and historic architecture.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Running Action Tank as a national nonprofit!
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I always write down my dreams in the morning and look up their meaning.
What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Istanbul
What is your favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October is the best month because of the Fall weather and my birthday! Christmas is the best holiday because we celebrate all month and I love the lights. Best day on the calendar is my son’s birthday, April 16.
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Pho Lang Thang‘s beef brisket pho.
Who inspires you to be better?
My son, Hugo, and my City Council School students.
What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Ginger, Sage, Mountain Air
Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Beautiful, community, resourceful
Check out Ioanna’s work and passion at: actiontankusa.org
