J. Rita McNeil Danish, Esq.

Early Years

Thinking back to your early years, was there a teacher or professor that had a significant impact on your professional journey? If so, please share.

Mrs. Harrison (7th grade teacher) Her favorite phrase was "a hint to the wise is sufficient."

Career

What professional accomplishment are you most humbled by and why?

What have you come to learn about balancing career and lifestyle?

You have to be intentional about achieving the balance between your career and lifestyle. It doesn't just happen organically, but balancing the two makes you better at both!

My Confessions

What part of your job brings you the most joy? Working with a great team to make exciting and meaningful things happen in our communities.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned professionally? How do you apply this lesson to the work you do?

Always remember to give each day your very best taking it one day at a time. Each day is different with its own set of challenges. I wake up each day assessing those challenges, handling them the way you eat an elephant "one bite at a time."

Fun Fact

My ideal vacation is…

Somewhere warm with an ocean, good people and good food. Two of my favorites are Jamaica and St. Maarten.

• Whitney M. Young High School

• Howard University

• The Ohio State University College of Law

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT:

• Nominations Chair

The National Civic League

• Board Chair, Women for Economic Leadership & Development (WELD)

• Advocates for Youth Education (AYE)

• DEI Committee Chair

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce

MY MANTRA…

Life is about choices. Another favorite is you may not get all you deserve but you will deserve all you get.

Becoming City Solicitor (City Attorney) for the City of Cincinnati right after the riots and civil unrest and negotiating and implementing the nationally recognized Collaborative Agreement between the City and the Community.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is vital to the longevity and success of any professional. On your most challenging day, where do you draw inspiration to continue feeding your passion for this work?

My father who taught me in words and in action to always try to make a difference and leave a "place" better than I found it.

What is the toughest decision you’ve made professionally?

To leave the practice of law after 30 years to take the role as CEO of Signal Ohio, a new non profit media organization for the State of Ohio.

Philosophy

The essentials to creating a harmonious work environment are…

Work hard; play hard. You should never take yourself too seriously and always find time to laugh.

What have you come to learn about success?

I've learned power is in the person, not the position. Success is not permanent or promised. Success comes from inside.