Ethnic Gem in the Making:
Ashley Brown
School: University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA
Major: Women in Politics and Public Policy
By: Stefanie Smith, Contributing Writer
As a young and rising star from Madison, Wisconsin, Ashley Brown has an impressive story that coincides with her full resume. Throughout her life, she has actively committed herself to the betterment of man through her dedicated academic life, community service, and overall personal achievements.
Ashley began her professional career in June 2008, as a religious affairs intern for the Barack Obama presidential campaign. As an intern, she was responsible for identifying key areas to generate voter support, particularly to optimize Obama’s support base with voters of faith, with an emphasis on youth voters.
In 2009, other opportunities positioned Ashley in the political hub of Washington, DC. There she held two White House positions, as an intern in the Office of Presidential Correspondence and as a program assistant for the non-profit civic organization, Presidential Classroom. After completing those internship opportunities, she was offered a research analyst position in the Department of Transportation for the State of Wisconsin.
As a high school senior, Ashley was awarded a full tuition academic scholarship through the PEOPLE Program, a pre-college program for students of color. It afforded her the opportunity to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 2010, she graduated earning her bachelor’s degree in political science.
Ashley moved to Boston, MA in August, to pursue a unique opportunity with the Women in Politics and Public Policy program at University of Massachusetts Boston. The program is designed to prepare women to serve in government positions, lead non-profit organizations, hold elected offices, and pursue advanced degrees. Ashley envisions herself using this program as a tool to advance her skills and goals in politics. Following completion of this program, she hopes to matriculate to law school.
Outside of her professional aspirations, Ashley loves to dance and cook. With her passion for salsa dancing, she felt encouraged to become a certified Zumba instructor, and anticipates teaching in the Boston metro area. In addition, she recently joined the Boston Branch of the NAACP Political Action Committee. Within the association, Ashley’s main efforts are to educate voters and encourage political participation among the youth for November’s presidential race
