Ashlee

While popularity and influence tend to be leading factors in becoming a leader in an organization, I believe courage remains as the one exceptional characteristic that defines a leader. Courage is one of those things that most of us believe we have. Like getting the gumption to get on a roller coaster for the first-time, asking that special person out on a date, or even booking a new esthetician for a microdermabrasion facial (I can't be the only one!).

But true courage requires more. It mandates meeting moments that challenge our sense of self and purpose, or hearing a call for action that only we have the imagination or ability to attempt to achieve. It requires a deep recognition and appreciation for an arduous and/or long-term effort without knowing what the pay off will be. It's a beautiful burden. A real ask for some, and a privilege for others like Ashlee.

For over six years, Ashlee has been a committed member of the Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals (YP) and has served three years as a steward of the organization as President. YP welcomes individuals ages 21–40 to become active in the Phoenix, AZ community. A large part of the organization's mission is to nurture and elevate the black and people of color's experience as professionals.

Under Ashlee's leadership, YP has stayed true to its mission and organizational tenets of civic engagement, economic empowerment, professional development, and community service by developing and hosting networking events, career and professional development workshops, well-being seminars, and even participating in social justice movements and demonstrations in Phoenix.

YP's commitment has resulted in improved skills and new career opportunities for many of its members, including Ashlee. She transitioned her career from a Corporate Recruiter to a Diversity Manager at a well-known, large academic institution. She credits YP as the catalyst for enhancing her leadership skills, public speaking, diplomacy, and project management.

From childhood, Ashlee's mother immersed her in black culture.

Ashlee attended a charter elementary school that was roughly 90% black students (they actually sang Lift Every Voice, the Black National Anthem, daily!). Personally knowing the demographics of the Phoenix population in the 90's, I believe this is a notable fact about Ashlee. Her grade school experience set the foundation for her to become confident as a young black girl and created connection to her community.

In middle school and high school she began her personal journey of service through membership in the Black Student Union. After high school, she attended college and later graduated with a degree in Psychology and a minor in African-American studies. Following college, Ashlee moved to Tuskegee, Alabama where she worked in behavioral health helping to treat patients of color. After living in Alabama for a short period, she returned to Phoenix to pursue her MBA and later joined YP in 2017.

Ashlee is an exemplar of a courageous leader who answered the call for action and she continues to make a difference in her community. She's truly a desert diamond!