COLUMBUS, Ohio— Ohio Right to Life has recently expanded its executive team with the hiring of Afton Simonelli as the Director of Communications and Strategic Affairs as well as Emma Martinez as the Director of Legislative and External Affairs. Both professional women will serve in leadership roles with Ohio Right to Life as it continues to build a culture where both the mother and her baby’s life are cherished and loved.
“We are beyond blessed to have Afton and Emma join our team as both have unparalleled compassion and enthusiasm for the right to life,” said Mike Gonidakis, President of Ohio Right to Life. “Ohio’s pro-life movement is at a reflection point and by adding Afton and Emma to leadership positions, Ohio Right to Life will continue to be a preeminent voice for the dignity of women and their children,” said Gonidakis.
As Ohio Right to Life prepares to advocate for a robust legislative agenda with the start of a new general assembly, coupled with plans to expand its statewide footprint, both Afton and Emma are positioned to serve in key leadership positions in Columbus and throughout Ohio.
Afton and her husband Jacob reside in Marysville where they attend Northwest Bible Church. After graduating, Afton discovered her passion for helping others with their health in a holistic approach. This led her to pursuing a Health Coach and Natural Health Professional Certification from Trinity Natural Health School. In the summer of 2023, Afton attended her first mission trip to the Dominican Republic where she discovered God has given her a strong passion and gift to serve others.
“I am thrilled to have been given the privilege to join Ohio Right to Life and serve the people of Ohio. Since I was young, I knew that life is a divine gift given by God. I’ve always been passionate in letting others know that their life has been fearfully and wonderfully made, especially those in the womb. It is truly a dream come true to be able to work for a cause that I care so deeply about, and I look forward to being an outspoken advocate for all life. Every life is a valuable life, and I’m ready to serve as a reminder of that,” said Afton Simonelli, Director of Communications.
Emma joins Ohio Right to Life after serving in Governor Mike DeWine’s administration. Emma previously served in former Speaker Bob Cupp’s Office and then as the Legislative Aide to newly named Chair of the Ohio House Pro-Life Caucus – Representative Melaine Miller. Emma grew up in Wayne County, and completed her Bachelor’s in Political Science, History, and Philosophy at Malone University. She now resides in Columbus and is a part of Zion Christian Fellowship in Powell.
“I am grateful for the privilege of working as a champion of human life in Ohio. While this is a time in Ohio’s history with many obstacles to the protection of the unborn, it is also a time of great opportunity to lift up vulnerable women and families seeking support. I am eager to work with Ohio Right to Life to make Ohio a more Pro-Family and Pro-Life state,” Emma said on starting as Legislative Director.