Maggie Ogonek, MSW

Research Associate
Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences

Maggie comes to the Begun Center having most recently worked as a Mitigation Specialist with the Office of the Ohio Public Defender. There she investigated and compiled comprehensive psycho-social histories for capital cases both at the trial and appellate levels, worked with juveniles who were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, and assisted attorneys with interviewing and locating witnesses. 

Maggie received her master’s degree from The Ohio State University, and brings a breadth of experience with state government having worked for a legislative committee that was tasked with inspecting and evaluating each state prison run by the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections and Youth Services, and also spent time with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Maggie began her career working at a mental health agency in Cincinnati. 

Q: Why is your work at the Begun Center important to you, to our community, and to the world? 
I am excited to work at the Begun Center because I believe it’s important for organizations to understand how programs and services are impacting the individuals and communities they are intended to serve. Data and quality research are imperative to inform change.

Q: What is a cause about which you are particularly passionate?
I am interested in social determinants of health as they relate to equality and social justice.