Ashley Robinson currently attends Chico State and is a member of the class of 2025. A 2021 graduate of El Cerrito High School, Ashley is majoring in Business Administration Management at Chico State.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Is there anything in particular that motivates you as you go through college and prepare yourself for a career?

A:  I am from the city of Richmond and have lived here my whole life. I am fluent in Spanish and earned a seal of biliteracy from El Cerrito High School in 2021. I have a bit of experience with the City of Richmond by working with the Richmond Police Activities League (RPAL) through Richmond YouthWorks and now working with Richmond Promise. What motivates me as I go to college is actually my community and where I come from because I want to be a product of excellence aside from hardship. I may face different circumstances from those I now share classrooms with in college, but I sit with pride showing that here I am sitting and belonging in that same classroom.

Q: How has Richmond Promise played a role in your education?

A: Richmond Promise has played a role in my education by being another source of support by sending reminders of important deadlines that pertain to school such as financial aid and more. Richmond Promise has also played a role by emailing many opportunities for internships and mentorship, and they have relieved some economic anxiety in my being a first generation student who has a EFC of 0 and comes from a low-income home. The support feels genuine since some of the staff is from Richmond so they have a close connection, understanding and empathy with their students.

Q: Why did you choose to be a Richmond Promise Summer Associate and what are you hoping to take from the experience?

A: I chose to be Richmond Promise Summer Associate due to all the essential skills I could be gaining such as strong leadership, management and administrative skill that could give me more exposure to what I’m pursuing a career in.

Q: What do you want to contribute to Richmond and/or the world?

A: What I want to contribute to Richmond is being another face from here that is excelling in higher education. I can gain experience from opportunities given by the City of Richmond that show proof of the resources here in my city and support they will provide for residents.

Q: Can you tell us about your current college experience?

A: My current college experience has been great. I’ve been getting involved on my campus more and more with every year. This school year, I will actually be a mentor with a student success center program called REACH, where I will be a mentor providing support, resources and a foundation to incoming freshmen.

Q: What are you looking forward to after receiving your bachelor’s/transferring?

A:  After I receive my bachelor’s, I look forward to gaining experience in the field of business pertaining to human resources or management. I’m hoping to be a part of something bigger than me and help make an impact at a higher level with the skills and aspects of business giving me knowledge and skills that employers seek across many roles and industries.