Ashley Fassell (34) is pursuing a Master of Science in Administration at Trinity Washington University. She is expected to graduate in December 2021.
Hailing from Baltimore Maryland, USA, Ashley studied at James Madison University where she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Finance in 2007 and will now became the first person in her family to earn a graduate degree. Ashley currently works for Nuna Consulting, LLC-, a private sector communications firm -which supports Native American-lead organizations, and serves as its Chief of Staff. She previously worked for a financial technology start-up that structured no-collateral loans for DACA recipients and international students studying in the US and Canada.
Inspired by her experience as a low-income student, she launched a scholarship fund at her Patapsco High School alma mater called “We’re Behind You” for other -need-based young women. “We’re Behind You” candidates have to show not only need, but leadership qualities and evidence of community service. Five women are already receiving financial aid from this fund in their first years of college.
In addition, Ashley began mentoring young women who were preparing to enter the job market in resumé preparation, interviewing techniques, and salary negotiations. She also began volunteering as a Trainer at Suited for Success, a non-profit that provides business attire to low-income women who are joining the office workforce.
These experiences convinced Ashley to shift her career from finance and business to teaching 21st Century skills at the community college level in order to more directly benefit low-income and first-generation college students. At Trinity, her area of concentration is in its “Dynamic Leaders and Organizations” program. She has an interest in developing social impact entrepreneurial frameworks for high-potential students with limited resources.
Ashley’s goal is to continue advancing pathways out of poverty for children, with an emphasis on offering education to women, especially since a mother’s education is a major factor in influencing a child’s likelihood of success.
