Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Young.
Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a country girl from Maysville, North Carolina, near the beach. Being a first-generation college student with values of faith, family, and hard work, I learned at an early age that education is critical to my success and liberation as a Black woman in the south. I tell a funny story about how I went to college completely undecided, but very sure that I wanted to become a woman of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (skee-wee). Thankfully, in my last semester of college, I stumbled into my purpose. I began working in an internship role that provided early exposure to first-generation and underserved students from communities.
From that moment on, my life was never the same for all the right reasons. I became passionate about college access and helping students and families prepare for college. Over the last 18 years, I have worked in high school settings, TRiO Programs such as Upward Bound, college admissions, and as a college counselor. All of these roles, coupled with my graduate experience, helped guide me to where I am currently, as an Education Policy Analyst and Lobbyist.
In my current role, I advocate for equitable education policy to ensure that racially and financially marginalized students across Georgia can be academically successful. I founded Georgians for College Affordability in 2020 to provide collaborative support with school counselors, education advocates, and lawmakers to advance college affordability.
Next year, I plan to complete my PhD. in Education Policy Studies at Georgia State University! My journey has been blessed, but like many, I have had to navigate challenges, conquer fear, and prove that I belong. Overall, I am excited about my future and grateful for the opportunities that I have been afforded. I am looking forward to the next chapter!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I feel blessed and fortunate for my journey as an educator. However, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Dementia in 2020 and passed away in 2025. Watching my mother, who was always the boss, deteriorate during that time was beyond difficult. Working a full-time job, enrolled in a doctoral program, and serving as a caregiver for my mother was the hardest thing I have ever done. Despite these challenges, the best lesson that I learned is that we cannot shy away from the necessary hardships in life. It was a tough season caring for my mother during that five-year period, but that is what God required of me. When she passed, I immediately thought about how I had given my all, despite the difficulties. If I had cowered in fear, I never would have experienced the beauty of recognizing my strength and grace as a caregiver.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
(Since I spoke extensively about my work in a previous question, I decided to discuss a personal accomplishment)
I am most proud of overcoming fear in life!
Since the age of seven, I suffered from aquaphobia after a near-death drowning experience, and I became extremely afraid of going underwater. This fear was stifling and prohibited daily life activities. I was afraid to take showers and wash my hair because of the water on my face.
Almost 20 years and several failed attempts later, I found the strength to conquer my fear. This one life-changing moment felt different. I had grown tired of living with this fear and was ready to overcome aquaphobia and step out of my comfort zone. I spent two months before my formal swim lessons attempting to put my head under water, splashing water on my face, and quickly dipping in and out of the pool. I persevered and refused to give up, even if that meant crying in the pool, reciting quotes and Bible verses aloud to encourage myself in my most uncomfortable moments. I shared this journey with friends and family, exhibiting genuine transparency and vulnerability, allowing myself to be human and trust the process.
I learned to “own” my phobia because I knew I was incrementally chipping away at my fear, and in due time, I would finally reach my goal. During this season of fear-conquering and self-empowerment, I worked two jobs, and despite my robust schedule, I went to the pool four times a week.
I overcame my fear of water and competed in my first triathlon at 28!
This experience taught me grit and perseverance, and that as a leader, you must face your fears to reach new heights. I learned an important life lesson that fear can be very difficult, but the gratification of achieving a goal is worth the challenging process. This was the most transformative experience of my life, and I am more courageous as a result.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Educators, advocates, and those who are actively engaged/interested in ensuring that all students in Georgia have access to affordable college options are welcome to connect with me and join Georgians for College Affordability!
Link: https://www.georgiansforcollegeaffordability.org/#get-involved
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