Ashley has over 11 years of experience working with first-generation Central Valley students in the elementary, middle school, high school, and college levels. Her most recent role as program manager for Youth Leadership Institute allowed her to oversee the creative partnerships for the Youth Wellness Center between Merced County BHRS, as well as with 5 different organizations that pertain to youth mental health in Merced County. Prior to this, she was the Dual Enrollment Counselor/Coordinator at Reedley Community College where she coordinated and taught the various college courses to marginalized high school students across Fresno County rural communities. She is a proud first-generation Latina student where she attended Reedley College from 2011-2015 and transferred to Fresno State to earn her B.A. in History in 2018. Likewise, she also earned her M.S. in Student Affairs & College Counseling in 2023, which allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of how to create equitable access and support for students. Over the years, she has worked in different Fresno State programs such as Academic Success Coaching, the Transfer Success Center, and Dog Days Orientation, as well as worked with nonprofit organizations, including Community Youth Ministries, writing grants for Arte Americas, and working with the Forest Service to promote fire safety in the Sacramento community. Lastly, Ashley is currently serving on two boards of directors - Student Liaison Chair for Fresno's Leading Young Professionals and Member-at-Large Chair for CA College Personnel Association.