What started as a campaign introduction, has grown into the opportunity of a lifetime.
"I thought it was a minor role but somehow it has landed me to the inauguration so somebody thought it was pretty huge what I did," says Kenyetta Jones. "It's pretty amazing, it's really amazing."
Toledo resident Kenyetta Jones introduced president Obama during a stop at Scott High School during his re-election campaign in 2012. That led to a speech at the Democratic National Convention later that year. Now she's been tapped for another job.
"That was very exciting, something I never expected of course."
Jones is one of eight "citizen co-chairs" nationally, who will serve as examples of the benefits of President Obama's policies. She lost her job at the GM Powertrain Plant in 2009, but got it back after the president approved an auto bailout later that year.
"When it came to my job and they wanted to dismiss GM and to dismiss UAW, I knew I had to pay attention because that was directly impacting me."
She and her husband will spend the next four days attending all kinds of inaugural events, including a visit to the Oval Office on Friday and community service events on Saturday. The highlight of the visit is Monday, where they will go to the swearing-in ceremony, ride in the parade and attend the inaugural ball that night.
Jones is proud her work has made an impact on her friends, family and co-workers. As for political aspirations of her own...
"Whatever door opens, I'm willing to take my chance."
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:00 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:00:32 GMT
From around 11:01 to 11:05, the International Space Station will fly overhead, initially emerging from the northwestern horizon, then departing to the east. The weather should cooperate, with gradual clearing.
From around 11:01 to 11:05, the International Space Station will fly overhead, initially emerging from the northwestern horizon, then departing to the east. The weather should cooperate, with gradual clearing.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:08 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:08:39 GMT
Sylvania Township police are investigating the third incident of vandalism at Olander Park in the past two months. Firefighters arrived at the park Monday night to see a small building completely engulfed
Sylvania Township police are investigating the third incident of vandalism at Olander Park in the past two months.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:03:55 GMT
Two young girls were sleeping on the floor during a summer night, when gunshots burst through their apartment, killing one of them. Now one of the men police say was responsible has rejected a plea deal
Two young girls were sleeping on the floor during a summer night, when gunshots burst through their apartment, killing one of them. Now one of the men police say was responsible has rejected a plea deal in the case.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:02 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:02:30 GMT
BREAKING: DETROIT (AP) - Chrysler decides to go along with government request to recall 2.7 million older model Jeeps.
Chrysler abruptly agreed to recall 2.7 million older model Jeeps Tuesday, reversing a defiant stance and avoiding a possible public relations nightmare over fuel tanks that can rupture and cause fires in rear-end collisions.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:40 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:40:03 GMT
He was born with a condition that limits his sight, but it's not stopping a local 6th grader from competing on a national level. Jalen Ballard is representing Ohio in a national Braille competition.
He was born with a condition that limits his sight, but it's not stopping a local 6th grader from competing on a national level. Jalen Ballard is representing Ohio in a national Braille competition.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:02 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:02:30 GMT
BREAKING: DETROIT (AP) - Chrysler decides to go along with government request to recall 2.7 million older model Jeeps.
Chrysler abruptly agreed to recall 2.7 million older model Jeeps Tuesday, reversing a defiant stance and avoiding a possible public relations nightmare over fuel tanks that can rupture and cause fires in rear-end collisions.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:00 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:00:32 GMT
From around 11:01 to 11:05, the International Space Station will fly overhead, initially emerging from the northwestern horizon, then departing to the east. The weather should cooperate, with gradual clearing.
From around 11:01 to 11:05, the International Space Station will fly overhead, initially emerging from the northwestern horizon, then departing to the east. The weather should cooperate, with gradual clearing.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:08 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:08:39 GMT
Sylvania Township police are investigating the third incident of vandalism at Olander Park in the past two months. Firefighters arrived at the park Monday night to see a small building completely engulfed
Sylvania Township police are investigating the third incident of vandalism at Olander Park in the past two months.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:03:55 GMT
Two young girls were sleeping on the floor during a summer night, when gunshots burst through their apartment, killing one of them. Now one of the men police say was responsible has rejected a plea deal
Two young girls were sleeping on the floor during a summer night, when gunshots burst through their apartment, killing one of them. Now one of the men police say was responsible has rejected a plea deal in the case.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:40 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:40:03 GMT
He was born with a condition that limits his sight, but it's not stopping a local 6th grader from competing on a national level. Jalen Ballard is representing Ohio in a national Braille competition.
He was born with a condition that limits his sight, but it's not stopping a local 6th grader from competing on a national level. Jalen Ballard is representing Ohio in a national Braille competition.
The search continues for a missing East Toledo girl. In the midst of the search, another missing children's case in our area is getting national attention. The Toledo Blade’s Danielle Trubow has the details.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:07 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:07:47 GMT
The Great Gatsby recently took the box office by storm, and now you have a chance to spend an evening living the grand lifestyle, and the best part about it is that you'll be helping others! The fourth
The fourth annual "Cocktails for the Cure" is this Thursday at the Toledo Country Club. The party will feature an evening of "Gatsby Glamour."
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:36 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:36:03 GMT
A former Wood County park ranger will spend more than four years behind bars. John Millinger was arrested in 2009 after police say he put an I-Pod with a video recorder behind a "No Smoking" sign in a
A former Wood County park ranger will spend more than four years behind bars. John Millinger was arrested in 2009 after police say he put an I-Pod with a video recorder behind a "No Smoking" sign in a women's restroom at a public park.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:24 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:24:40 GMT
ROMULUS, Mich. (AP) - Detroit Metropolitan Airport officials say a dog's suspicions about a piece of cargo proved to be unfounded after triggering a partial evacuation of the main terminal. The false
Detroit Metropolitan Airport officials say a dog's suspicions about a piece of cargo proved to be unfounded after triggering a partial evacuation of the main terminal.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:13 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:13:14 GMT
A Sylvania man has entered a plea of not guilty to several charges of possession of child pornography. Donald Martens was arraigned Tuesday morning in Lucas County Common Pleas Court. Martens is
A Sylvania man has entered a plea of not guilty to several charges of possession of child pornography. Donald Martens was arraigned Tuesday morning in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.