Ashley was born and raised in Ontario, CA, as a first-generation college student and the oldest daughter of immigrant parents. Growing up in a family deeply connected to their Mexican heritage, Spanish was her dominant language. Initially struggling with English, Ashley overcame this barrier with the support of her educators and classmates, ultimately becoming a crucial support system for her parents. Witnessing her family’s challenges instilled in her a strong sense of compassion and a desire to help others selflessly.

Now in her fourth year at UCLA, Ashley is double majoring in English and Education. Her coursework and internships in education have deepened her understanding of and commitment to supporting neurodiverse learners. She is passionate about fostering inclusive environments and aims to continue this work in her future classroom.

Since her freshman year, Ashley has served as a research assistant for the MEYA Autism study at Wood Lab. In this role, she connects Spanish-speaking families to clinical opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked due to language barriers. Her personal experience drives her dedication to this work, as her parents lacked similar support during their educational journeys. Ashley plays a vital role in interviewing Latinx/Chicanx families and provides detailed notes for clinicians and researchers involved in the study. Additionally, she previously worked as an ed-coach for the Pathway program, further honing her skills as an educator.

In Fall 2024, Ashley joined Level Up as a Direct Support Professional, where she seeks to expand her knowledge while helping participants enhance their independent living skills and broaden their horizons. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Ashley enjoys attending concerts, watching thriller dramas, going to the beach, and spending time with her dogs.