Next Up Columbus 2025: Katherine Liming
Name: Katherine Liming
Age: 28
Profession: Manager of Local External Affairs & Public Policy at COSI
Neighborhood: Fifth by Northwest
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Communication (Public Relations) & Political Science, University of Dayton
Community Involvement: Human Service Chamber of Franklin County, Public Policy Committee; The Andrew Goodman Foundation Alumni Network
Motto: “People say, what is the sense of our small effort? They cannot see that we must lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time. A pebble cast into a pond causes ripples that spread in all directions. Each one of our thoughts, words and deeds is like that. No one has a right to sit down and feel hopeless. There is too much work to do.” – Dorothy Day
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Katherine Liming has always believed in the power of community to solve complex problems. While studying at the University of Dayton, she immersed herself in the work of the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community, which sparked a deep commitment to collaborative change-making. That passion brought her to Columbus, where she spent five impactful years at the Ohio Mayors Alliance, advocating for Ohio’s largest cities and their residents at the Statehouse. Today, Katherine serves at COSI, where she manages key programming partnerships with the City of Columbus and Franklin County, ensuring equitable access to STEAM education for all.
Whether shaping policy, building partnerships, or expanding access to science learning, Katherine brings intention, heart, and a clear focus on equity to everything she does. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to creating more connected, empowered, and inclusive communities.
What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
Physically: Cold brew coffee. Emotionally & Mentally: The desire to do good and leave the world better than I found it.
I have lived such a blessed life, being able to give back and provide opportunities to others that they may not otherwise have access to is very rewarding. Being able to call it work is just the added bonus.
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
I am very lucky to be surrounded by mentors and friends who have supported me both personally and professionally. Surrounding yourself with other passionate and driven people keeps you fueled for work that, at times, can be draining. Knowing that you cannot be everything to everyone, but if you focus on a couple of key issues, you can make change and progress by working collectively.
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
I watch an unhealthy amount of reality TV to unwind. When I’m looking for healthier remedies, I get outside and disconnect from technology. Chestnut Ridge is my favorite Metro Park. It is wonderful when you need a break from the sounds of the city and need wide open spaces.
What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus?
We have incredible coffee shops in Columbus, but my favorites are Brioso Coffee and Roosevelt Coffee. I love to do happy hour at Parable or Tip Top. From brunch to dinner, you can never go wrong with Forno Kitchen + Bar. And I love to spend a Sunday afternoon getting lost in Flower Child or Little Light Collective.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
I’m sure when I was a little kid, I wanted to be a triple-threat Disney star, but as I grew older, I was strong in math and science and was encouraged to pursue engineering, so I started going down the path of chemical engineering. The plan was to be a cosmetic chemical engineer.
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
I start every morning listening to Up First and The Daily. And when that gets to be too much, I switch over to Las Culturistas or Ride. Recently, I’ve been returning to books I read in high school or college to see how they hold up to adulthood, like Their Eyes Were Watching God, The Great Gatsby, Giovanni’s Room, and A Doll’s House. They do, they’re classics for a reason.
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
It is an honor to be recognized amongst so many passionate and talented folks in my class and the classes before me. When looking at past recipients, it is incredibly humbling to be recognized alongside such accomplished people I look up to. I have never done this work for the recognition, but the recognition is always nice when it comes along. I look forward to continuing to work to make Columbus and Ohio the city and state I know it can be, and make Columbus the Opportunity City for all our residents and neighborhoods.
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
I love the Midwest for its people and its big cities with a small-town feel. Columbus, unlike other Midwest cities, is in a period of evolution and growth, and here, you can really have an impact and voice on how it evolves and how it grows, ensuring we all get a fair share of its growth and prosperity. We have the opportunity to lead in what the next generation of cities looks like.
The Next Up Columbus Awards, presented annually by the Columbus Young Professionals Club, recognize emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact across Central Ohio. These honorees are innovators, connectors, and community champions helping to shape a brighter future for Columbus. Meet the entire Class of 2025 »