Rose Ashley, Alumni Engagement Manager (she/her)
Although I’ve spent most of my life in the Midwest, I’m no stranger to the beauty of the Mountain West and Pacific Northwest. Each summer, my parents would load my siblings and me into the car and head out on a road trip to a new camping spot. Those trips sparked a deep appreciation for the natural world and for the diverse people and experiences found within it.
When I began my studies at the University of Notre Dame, I chose to pursue that curiosity academically through a degree in American Studies and Peace Studies, focusing on the intersection of disability and outdoor spaces, particularly within national parks. As I approached graduation, I knew I wasn’t finished learning, but I also sensed the need for a pause. That calling led me to JVC Northwest. In the summer of 2019, I took my longest road trip yet—driving my Prius to Aloha, Oregon—where I spent a year serving with HomePlate Youth Services. My time at Casa de Paz was marked by lifelong friendships I created with my community mates (and a very unexpected expertise in taming blackberry bushes).
Like so many others, the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped my plans. As my service year came to a close, I decided to weather that storm in the relatively safe confines of academia, pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental History. During that time, my passion for environmental justice and place expanded into a broader commitment to storytelling—recognizing it as a powerful way to honor lived experiences and build transformation. With that lens, I returned to my alma mater, Notre Dame, and worked in the Gender Relations Center, supporting campus education around gender equity through story-driven work. When the opportunity to return to JVC Northwest emerged, I knew it was one I had to pursue. I’m feeling incredibly energized and excited to be back with an organization I love so much!
In my spare time, you can find me hiking, experimenting with homemade latte recipes, and taking care of my many houseplants!
Want to contact Rose? Email her.
