Ashley Hill
Assistant Director
Pronouns (she/her)
Degrees
BS in Environmental Science (Western Washington University)
MEd in Environmental Education (Western Washington University)
Professional Biography
Ashley spent the last 10 years SCUBA diving to restore coral reefs in Florida, leading environmental education programs in the North Cascades National Park, and teaching conservation-focused workshops to students throughout Puget Sound‚ she received her BS in Environmental Science and Masters of Education in Environmental Education from Western Washington University and moved back to Colorado to work with Equity Labs at the University of Denver in 2022. Her investment in equity and justice work stems from her environmental educational background‚ she truly loves asking questions, thinking critically, and inviting others to do the same with the goal of a more equitable and just world. Her approach centers on understanding the historical, social, and political frameworks that inform what, how, and why we show up the way we do. Grounded in the reality of a changing climate, Ashley encourages communities to consider the possibilities of building equitable futures with environmental justice at the center.
Specializations
Ashley's connection to DEIJ work started during her undergraduate experience as a Resident Advisor. Chenthu was her supervisor during this time and impressed upon her the importance of community and self awareness. Throughout other positions and experiences, Ashley engaged with her identities as a cisgender, white, middle-class, woman and found deep meaning in this intrapersonal work. Through her MEd she widened her view of DEIJ and stepped in a more active role in her relationships and workplaces.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice moment of celebration
There is not just one moment, but the accumulation of moments with people in classrooms, during conversations, or over meals where Ashley was able to gain understanding or make new meanings around equity and justice with others.
Connect with Ashley at A.Hill@du.edu.
More from Ashley
The environmental justice movement and indigenous peoples are a closely tied history in the United States. Assistant Director Ashley Hill shares the history of environmental justice and the women who have advanced the work and rights of the communities largely impacted by the environment.