Ashley first connected with Community Lodgings through her work with Alexandria City Public Schools’ (ACPS) Out of School Time programming, where she partnered with multiple community sites—including Community Lodgings. Through coordinating programs and supporting students and families, she quickly became familiar with the organization’s impact.
When her previous role ended due to grant funding, Ashley took a leap of faith and joined Community Lodgings directly in August 2024. Since then, she has been working with our Youth Education Program (YEP), providing consistent support and building meaningful relationships with students and families.
With a background in tutoring and a strong foundation in operations and administration, Ashley brings both practical skills and a deep commitment to service. As the daughter of immigrants from Colombia, she shares many of the lived experiences of the families she serves. This connection allows her to relate to students on a personal level and better understand the challenges they face—particularly around language barriers and navigating complex systems.
Ashley describes her experience as “rewarding,” emphasizing how much she values being part of a community that is human-centered and deeply supportive. Her work has further strengthened her passion for public service and advocacy, and she hopes to pursue a future in the legal field, supporting immigrant communities.
For Ashley, being part of Community Lodgings is about showing up for others—just as others once did for her—and helping ensure every family feels supported and empowered!
Thank you, Ashley, for your dedication to our program. We appreciate you!
