Meet Ashley: Komera Development and Communications Associate

Hello Komera Family! My name is Ashley Thompson and I’m so excited to be joining Komera as the Development and Communications Associate. I’m deeply passionate about women’s rights and girls’ education, and am thrilled to be joining a team working to empower girls and women in Rwanda. I’m a native New Yorker and a child of immigrants. Throughout my childhood, I was privileged to be surrounded by friends from diverse cultures and family members that encouraged me to use my voice. I’m elated to have the opportunity to highlight the voices of women and girls through this role. 

Ashley started working for Komera in September 2020.

What brought you to Komera?

My passion for women’s rights started back when I was in high school. During my senior year I produced a video project on women’s rights in Iran during the Green Movement. Seeing the reaction of my classmates and teachers to my video’s content inspired me to pursue a career in media. Since then I’ve strived to integrate my passion for women’s rights in my work. When I saw that there was an opening at Komera and learned about the organization’s mission, I knew that it was an opportunity that couldn’t be overlooked.

What projects are you most excited to dive into and supporting the team with?

I’m especially excited to bring my video editing skills to my work at Komera and produce new content. I’m also looking forward to crafting our social media strategy and editing our website.

Ashley visited the Galapagos Islands during her study abroad semester in Quito, Ecuador.

What is your favorite part of the Komera program or mission that inspires you?

I believe that education is a key to girls’ success. Since girls’ access to education is very close to my heart, part of what attracted me to Komera was how the organization provides full tuition for girls, including health care, mentorship and community support, so they can attend public boarding schools in Rwanda. Reading the stories of how the scholars program has changed the trajectory of girls’ lives is so inspiring.

A big piece of Komera’s mission is female empowerment through sport. What is your personal favorite way to sweat?

In high school I played both soccer and basketball. These days I play tennis and I love rock climbing when I can!

Fun, unique or weird fact about you:

I’ve been singing since I was about 5 years old and continued singing through college.

Inspirational quote or mantra you live by:

“The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world.” - Charles Malik