“I started taking grad school classes in political social work – with a  specialization in community, policy and political social action. I began to see what a significant impact social workers can make in the field of government and policy. And I began to appreciate how policies targeting larger systemic issues can get to the root of problems and help prevent some of society’s bigger challenges, as well as those of individuals in need.”

Following volunteer work on local political campaigns during graduate school, and upon graduating with her MSW in May 2019, Ashley immediately started pounding the pavement as a field organizer for a Suffolk County legislative campaign. She went on to become Deputy Finance Director for a New York Congressional Campaign for a year, followed by working as a Legislative Aid for the Suffolk County Legislature. 

But she felt “there were still larger issues I could work on” and so left the draining world of independent campaigns to look for a job where she could “get people interested in voting again. Show them their vote means something.”

She found that opportunity at Stony Brook and says, “The position couldn’t have been more perfect. As I said in my cover letter, Stony Brook was the catalyst for me to launch into this type of work. Now I get to come back and pay it forward, helping other students follow the same path.”

Sharing her political experience and expertise at the Center for Civic Justice (CCJ), Ashley says she’s consistently impressed with “how powerful and passionate the Stony Brook students are. My favorite thing is getting to know them and encouraging them to share their ideas.” 

The CCJ’s main missions include getting students to vote, making sure they feel heard, and encouraging overall enhanced civic engagement among the entire campus community through new and entertaining strategies, like carnivals. National Voter Registration, National Vote Early and Why Your Vote Matters are just three collaborative projects CCJ student leaders are working on under Ashley’s guidance. Year-round programming includes how to advocate for yourself and community, find and reach out to local representatives, learn the basics of different levels of government, and get information on volunteering.

Ashley believes that the diverse nature of the students involved in CCJ – with all different backgrounds, experiences and majors  – “helps us look at everything from different lenses.” She also feels she has a unique perspective to share, one that fits right in with Stony Brook’s values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility: “Coming from a social work background, I focus heavily on the human side of politics and look at things from that perspective. Is the government providing the services people need to live? Are our resources accessible to all? This is what I find most fulfilling and try to inspire in others.”