Color Me Brave is a blog series that celebrates amazing women that are both successful in their careers and supportive towards other women trying to make it. This series was created especially for millennial women of color because I want them to see other women of color that have been in their place, walked in their shoes and persevered. Color Me Brave is full of fabulous women leaders with dynamic stories. Enjoy and join me in applauding these industry leaders. To contact our Color Me Brave leaders, please email hello@thecolormeb.com.
Ashley Shaw
Color Me Brave: Where did you attend college? Graduate school?
Ashley Shaw: I attended the University of San Francisco for both undergraduate and graduate school. I received a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Politics and a Masters in Public Affairs, specializing in Government Relations and Campaign Management.
Color Me Brave: What do you do for a living? Where do you work?
Ashley Shaw: I am a Field Coordinator at National Skills Coalition - In my current position I create and maintain multi-stakeholder coalitions that advocate for workforce policy changes at both the state and federal levels. That involves direct communication with state and federal policymakers and developing advocacy tools for partners in 30 plus states.
Color Me Brave: Why did you decide to take on this position? Is it part of a larger plan for you?
Ashley Shaw: I decided to take on this position for a number of reasons. One, it allows me to remain engaged in policy efforts with the federal government and presidential administration. At the same time, I can continue my advocacy work across the country. My current position allows me to leverage nationwide contacts into networking opportunities that I can use to advance my career and skill sets. This position is definitely part of a larger plan.
Color Me Brave: Are you a member of any professional organizations? If so which ones? Ashley: Yes, I am a member of Washington DC Young Democrats. I am also a member of the Public Affairs Council and the Association of Government Relations Professionals.
Color Me Brave: What are the biggest challenges you face in your job? In your industry?
Ashley: One of the biggest challenges that I and my industry face is that we cover so many areas of interest; and, it’s a challenge to make sure everyone is on the same page. For example, we work with employers, community colleges, labor unions, community based organizations, federal government and workforce development boards. As someone who is constantly engaging with these different stakeholders, I have to be strategic in my approach. Making sure that everyone doesn't go into his or her own agenda but that we are all on the same page. It takes a lot of strategic thinking and planning to get policies moving, and running successful grassroots campaigns.
Color Me Brave: How do you overcome obstacles in the workplace?
Ashley: I first try to understand where there other person is coming from. I have learned that responding right away is the best way to be misunderstood and causes more problems. There is a famous quote that says seek first to understand then to be understood. I try to live by that quote and not jump to conclusions or respond with anger.
Color Me Brave: What’s something you wish you could tell your college freshman self?
Ashley: I would tell my college self to keep praying every day and seeking God's guidance. I would also tell myself to enjoy these moments, you will never get another chance to live care-free with your best friends and have fun with them 24/7.
Color Me Brave: How can women show their support for other women in the workplace?
Ashley: I believe mentorship is a great way that women can show support. There is nothing better than taking a young woman under your wing and helping her find her passions, skill sets and setting out ways for her to achieve her dreams and goals.
Color Me Brave: What do you do to relax with your girlfriends?
Ashley: Brunch, Brunch, and Brunch! And after brunch we venture out and explore the many museums that DC has to offer.
