The Ohio Alliance for Community Education (Ohio ACE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing social, economic, educational, and environmental opportunity through civic education and community engagement. We work to authentically engage communities, provide residents with the information and resources they need to understand issues affecting their lives, and empower them to participate in the democratic process to help shape meaningful policy outcomes.
Our leadership has spent decades working to increase civic participation and voter engagement in presidential, gubernatorial, and local elections. Through this experience, we have learned that lasting change is not achieved during the final weeks of an election cycle. Instead, it requires sustained investment in communities year-round.
Ohio ACE is committed to building informed, connected, and engaged communities through education, leadership development, and civic participation. Our programs are designed to expand access to civic knowledge and opportunities for participation, with a focus on reaching communities that have historically faced barriers to engagement, including Black communities and other underserved populations throughout Cleveland and surrounding areas.
Our vision extends beyond elections. Drawing on decades of experience working alongside labor organizations, faith leaders, community advocates, and public officials, we foster collaboration that strengthens civic participation, develops community leadership, and builds lasting capacity for residents to shape the future of their communities.
About Us
What We Do
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to serve our community through various initiatives.
Community Events
We organize inclusive events that bring people together, fostering connections and celebrating diversity.
Hip Hop Registration Bus
Provide Rides to Poll
Educational Events
Community Outreach
Our outreach programs support those in need by providing essential resources and empowering individuals and families.
Door-to-Door Education
Issues Education
Voter Engagement Edu.
Civics Education
Tech Communication
We use technology to improve communication, ensuring vital information reaches everyone effectively.
Live Phone Banking
Live Calls
Live SMS Manual Text
Live Survey Calls
Community Engagement
Involve community members through participation and collaboration, empowering their voices and uniting the network.
Townhalls
Panel Discussion
Community Informal's
Guest Speakers
Meet Our Board of Directors
Davida Russell
Founder
Domonique Turner
Program Director
Reuben Turner
Communications & Data Director
Brittany Russell
Field Director
TBD
Payroll & HR Director
Davida Russell
Founder
Founder
Davida Russell
Davida Russell is the founder of Ohio ACE - which she established in 2021. After years of seeing a revolving door of Get Out the Vote (GOTV) investments parachute into Cleveland and leave after Elections with no lasting impact, she founded Ohio ACE to create a structure for long-term and transformational community engagement.
She is currently running in the statewide general election to represent district XX in the Ohio House of Representatives. Davida is a Commission Member of the Cuyahoga County Charter Review Commission appointed by Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish and Executive Board Member of the Gateway Economic Development Corporation of Greater Cleveland one of two single appointments of Mayor Frank Jackson.
Davida Russell is the State President of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), a Vice President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, a State Executive Board Member, and President of the Northeast Ohio District of the Ohio Association of Public-School Employees OAPSE/AFSCME Local 4/AFL-CIO), Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, and Vice President of the Cleveland North Shore Federation of Labor AFL-CIO.
Well known for her dedication to working people, she has been at the forefront of organizing, educating, training, increasing political awareness among workers, campaigning for pro-labor politicians, and operating and managing the largest canvassing operation in the state of Ohio since 2000. Davida has been entered in several editions of Who’s Who as One of The Most Influential Black Women in Cleveland Celebrating African American Achievement. She’s the author of the book “The Birth of a Union: The Legacy of Noridean McDonald” published in 2007.
She is a graduate of the Cleveland State Labor-Management Relations Center Program and a graduate of Leadership Cleveland Class 2004. Davida graduated from the George Meany National Labor College with a double major Bachelors in Labor Studies and in Union Leadership and Administration. Davida is also a Substitute Teacher and bus driver for South Euclid Lyndhurst City School Districts.
Carla Lindsey
Board Member
Elycia Smith
Board Member
Program Director
Domonique Turner
Domonique Turner has worked for Step Forward, formerly known as the Council for Economic Opportunities of Greater Cleveland (CEOGC) for over 16 years, where she works as a Preschool teacher and Mentor/Teacher - mentoring and providing team leader support to staff members while creating a warm and nurturing learning environment, observing staff performance, establishing plans for staff improvement, and cultivating teaching methods of staff members. Domonique has also worked on Miss Davida’s Get out the Vote (GOTV) and Community Engagement program for over twenty years, helping with operations, serving as the lead, and conducting door-to-door community outreach. Domonique was born and raised in Cleveland Heights and currently lives in Lyndhurst with her husband and two children where she helps as a Girl Scout leader. In addition to serving on Ohio ACE’s board, Domonique works part-time as our Deputy Program Director.
Domonique Turner
Program Director
Reuben Turner
Communications & Data Director
Communications & Data Director
Reuben Turner
Reuben Turner is a technology professional and community advocate with more than 15 years of experience leading digital transformation, project delivery, and strategic communications initiatives across a variety of industries. He brings a passion for using data, technology, and effective communication to strengthen organizations and connect with communities.
Reuben earned his MBA from Cleveland State University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), and SAFe Agilist. He has supported local and statewide political campaigns as a campaign treasurer and is excited to expand his advocacy through his role with Ohio Alliance for Community Education (Ohio ACE).
Committed to service both professionally and personally, Reuben is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and a Prince Hall Freemason, where he continues a tradition of leadership, civic engagement, and community service.
Board Member
Carla Lindsey
Carla Lindsey is the founder of the Loyalty Life Insurance Group. She has been a licensed life insurance broker since 2013. For the past 9+ years, she has been educating and serving the community on the importance of life insurance. Her passion is helping others and reaching as many individuals in her career as she can. Carla was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio but currently her home and business are in Euclid, Ohio.
Carla Lindsey
Board Member
Meet Our ACE Family
Elycia Smith
Board Member
Board Member
Elycia Smith
Elycia Smith is currently a financial analyst. After obtaining her MBA in Financial Planning and Accounting from Ursuline College in Pepper Pike Ohio, Elycia has 16 years of finance and accounting experience and she has held positions in higher education and corporate finance while also assisting in personal finance. Elycia was born and raised in Cleveland Heights and currently lives in Parma with her husband and two children.