Get to know the ACLU of Ohio team by checking out our Employee of the Week blogs! You may know that Jocelyn is a licensed attorney, avid Steelers fan, and vegan blogger, but today we found out some new fun facts! Read on for more information.
- Q: What is your full name?
- A: Jocelyn Rosnick
- Q: What pronouns do you use?
- A: She/her/hers
- Q: What is your title and which department do you work in?
- A: Assistant Policy Director - Policy Department
- Q: Did you have any past positions at the ACLU of Ohio?
- A: I started as a Post-Graduate Legal Fellow, then I transitioned to a Policy Researcher, next I was the Development Manager, and now I'm the Assistant Policy Director!
- Q: Which office do you work in?
- A: Cleveland
- Q: When did you start working at the ACLU of Ohio?
- A: August 2012
- Q: What projects are you currently working on?
- A: Right now I'm overseeing issue-based grants and stewarding projects that our new policy associates are working on. Specifically I oversee our Transgender Education and Advocacy Program (TEAP), conduct drug policy research, analyze criminalization of poverty issues, and consult on protest-related issues.
- Q: What issue area are you most passionate about?
- A: Criminalization of poverty, definitely. It is fundamentally wrong that people are treated differently in our justice system, or everyday life, based on the size of their paycheck or wallet. Everyone should be treated fairly and justly under the law. Also, I've been working on this issue area the longest. One of the first projects I had at the ACLU was debtors' prison research. We've seen some success in this area as Ohio courts have adopted reforms, but it's an ever evolving issue that we're still working on today.
- Q: What is your favorite ACLU memory?
- A: Sitting in Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor's chambers with former Executive Director Chris Link and Senior Policy Director Mike Brickner. It was 2013, we were with a handful of Supreme Court staff and the Ohio Public Defender discussing debtors' prison issues around the state and recommending reforms. It was an incredible experience and I will never forget that day. A second, sillier answer, would be locking myself in the vestibule on the day that our Transgender Spotlight video series was set to be filmed. Crisis was eventually averted; but, again, I will certainly never forget that day!
- Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
- A: Italy! Specifically Pescara and Rocca Pia to track down extended family that still live there. Plus the food and the wine aren't too shabby!
- Q: Where do you get your news?
- A: When reading the news its The New York Times. When watching the news it's CNN. If I'm listening, it's to 90.3 WCPN, my local NPR station, or podcasts from Slate.com
- Q: What is the last movie you saw in the theaters?
- A: The Shape of Water
- Q: What TV show would you say is the best of all time?
- A: Has to be Law and Order - I've seen every single episode. But, you should know, the legal portrayals are not always accurate.
- Q: What are you most excited about in 2018? Work, otherwise, or both!
- A: Work wise I'm excited for 2018 because we have more staff members and are continuing to grow. We'll get more done across the state and will delve deeper into current issues and expand our work to new ones. The new staff are so enthusiastic and excited about the work and I can't wait to see what ideas they'll bring to the table. Otherwise, I'm excited to go to Chicago in March and see Hamilton!
