About ME

Ashley Watson is a facilitator-educator who creates brave spaces to explore identity, differences, and faith.
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The first international trip I took was to Slovakia at the age of 13. The quick discovery that communication transcends language piqued my curiosity about intercultural connections. My global experiences have become a permanent part of my life, and I am grateful for these immersive intercultural experiences.

I am passionate about belonging specifically in the arenas of educational equity and access, higher education, and public health.
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​I enjoy live music shows, foreign films, eating different cuisines and weekend adventures with friends and family in my free time.
“We are constantly invited to be who we are.” 
― henry david thoreau

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. Leadership in International and Intercultural Education, University of Minnesota, Twin-Cities [in progress]
• MS.Ed. Higher Education Administration, Baruch College
• B.A. Intercultural Communication, Pepperdine University

honors & Awards

• Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship: Swahili
• NAFSA Academy for International Education
• Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship: Malaysia
• Non-Profit Leaders Outstanding Student
• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Award: China

    causes

  • ​​​Interfaith dialogue
  • Intercultural education
  • Educational access and equity
  • Gender equality
  • Anti-human trafficking
  • Prison reform
  • Study abroad

NETWORK

• AERA
• CIES
• NAFSA
• IACAC
• AEA
• Pi Alpha Alpha