OH-13: Emilia Sykes (D)
Born in Akron, Ohio, Emilia Sykes grew up on the city’s west side. As a child, Sykes saw first-hand that Northeast Ohio families work hard every day and care deeply about what they do, but too often aren’t given the opportunity or level playing field that many others enjoy. That’s why when she became House Minority Leader she worked with Republicans and Democrats to deliver real results for Ohio’s families, businesses, and seniors.
Sykes’ parents taught her the values of hard work, never to give up, and that public service means standing up for others. Sykes graduated with high honors from Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and later the University of Florida, where she earned a Juris Doctor with a certificate in Family Law and a master’s degree in Public Health.
Sykes currently serves in Ohio’s 34th legislative district, otherwise known as the “birthplace of champions,” where she’s served since 2014. Sykes’ work on domestic violence issues earned bipartisan praise and resulted in her legislation, Ohio HB1, to protect the safety and security of people in violent relationships to become the priority piece of legislation in the 132nd General Assembly.
Prior to serving in the state legislature, Sykes worked as administrative staff advisor at the Summit County Fiscal Office, where she helped to create a county land bank to repurpose vacant and abandoned properties, and as a law clerk to the chief judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of Georgia.
Sykes has received numerous awards for her advocacy, including the Legislator of the Year from the Ohio Minority Business Enterprise, the Champion for Children award from Summit Children’s Services, the EMILY’s List Rising Star award, and 30 for the Future award from the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce.
The above information was sourced from the candidate’s website.
