Tell me a little bit about your background & connection to the region you live in. Did you grow up there? What do you love about it?
Hi! I’m Ashley, and I’m proud to call the Inland Empire my new home. I grew up in Sacramento but moved to Southern California three years ago, and I’ve never looked back. Since relocating, I’ve built meaningful friendships and connections that have made me feel deeply rooted here. What drew me to the IE is what keeps me here: the strength and resilience of the people who organize to protect their communities from environmental injustice, especially in the face of warehousing expansion, public health disparities, and threats to our natural lands.
How did you get started in the environmental space? What drew you to organizing work?
My journey into the environmental space started early. I was inspired by Steve Irwin’s love for wildlife, and that spark led me to volunteer with the Sacramento Zoo for four years, focusing on community-based wildlife conservation. That experience taught me that environmental work isn’t just about protecting nature, it’s about connecting with people. I’ve always felt a strong calling to help others live more consciously and compassionately in relation to the world around them.
In college, I double-majored in Environmental Science and Religious Studies at Willamette University; an unusual pairing, but one that shaped how I understand environmental justice today. I’ve always believed that we, as humans, can break through cultural, linguistic, and religious differences to build mutual respect and find shared solutions. My studies helped me see that science is incredibly intertwined with culture, politics, economics, and belief systems. Environmental progress requires more than just data; it demands empathy, listening, and collaboration across communities and disciplines.
Since graduating in 2019, I moved to Riverside and served as a California Climate Action Corps Fellow with the Inland Southern California Climate Collaborative (ISC3), where I worked on regional climate resilience and equity. From moderating panels and mentoring students to organizing events and building relationships with over 100 organizations, I saw firsthand how critical it is to show up and be present in the community. Being at local events, listening to people’s stories, and building trust beyond Zoom calls—those are the moments that have stuck with me the most.
I was drawn to organizing because I believe deeply in bridging the gap between science and community. Too often, environmental decisions are made without engaging the people who are most affected by them. I want to help change that by building spaces where residents feel informed, respected, and empowered to shape the policies that impact their lives. That’s what led me to EnviroVoters, and it’s what keeps me motivated every day.
What are some key or unique environmental issues that your region faces? Is there anything that you’ve learned from your work with EnviroVoters or as an organizer that you didn’t know before?
The Inland Empire faces some major environmental challenges: worsening air quality, sprawling land use, inadequate public transportation, and the increasing impacts of drought, wildfire, and extreme heat. But even in the face of these challenges, the IE continues to thrive. I’ve learned that there is a powerful foundation of care, creativity, and resistance here; neighbors helping neighbors, grassroots leaders stepping up, and communities fighting not just against harm but for a better, more just future. That spirit fuels my work.
Anything you’d like to share about your region? Things that make it special, places you love to go, bright spots in your work?
Outside of organizing, I love being out in the community. These days, I’ve been enjoying Lake Perris during the warmer days and browsing local swap meets and thrift stores (my favorite being the Foster Army Animal Rescue Thrift Store!). Downtown Riverside is one of my favorite places to explore antique shops and try new restaurants.
Being part of this movement in the Inland Empire is both humbling and motivating. I’m here to listen, to build, and to fight for the communities that make this region so special. There’s a lot of work ahead, but there’s also so much worth protecting.
