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A life of service: Ashely Dickerson's Public Allies experience
May 21, 2024 — Ashely Dickerson has dedicated her career to service. Her passion for education and helping others led her to join the Public Allies Arizona program at the ASU Lodestar Center, an experience that profoundly shaped her perspective and career path.
Born and raised in Phoenix, Dickerson spent her early career as an elementary school teacher before transitioning to the nonprofit world about 15 years ago. She currently serves as the Director of Programs for FosterEd Arizona with the National Center for Youth Law, the only agency in the state providing educational advocacy and support for youth in the foster care system.
It was a desire to have a greater community impact that initially drew Dickerson to Public Allies. "I had heard about Public Allies but was unsure what it was," she said. "I attended an informational session and at that time in my career, I had only worked for one nonprofit. I was interested in partnering with a nonprofit to expand their capacity."
Dickerson was placed with Valley of the Sun United Way, working in their early childhood education department, which aligned with her goals of staying in the education field. The Public Allies experience turned out to be transformative for her.
"I always tell people that the Public Allies model is a bit of a utopia," she explained. "There are very few spaces that exist where you're able to get real professional experience and also go through the program with a cohort of individuals that may have similar views or maybe don't, which is what makes it beautiful."
The program provided valuable training, mentorship, networking opportunities and a chance to attend conferences focused on social issues. Perhaps most impactful was the community project Dickerson and her cohort took on – revitalizing a tutoring lab in a Phoenix community.
"We had to fundraise, do project management, all skills I've translated to my current job," she said. "Even though there were challenges like communication barriers, at the end of the day we were able to do it and it still exists today."
A particularly meaningful connection Dickerson made was with a candidate running for the local school board in Mesa who she met through her placement at United Way. Dickerson went on to serve as the candidate's campaign manager, winning that race and igniting a passion for being involved in local politics and advocacy.
"That led me on a path of service through politics and feeling called to serve in that way," she said. "Since then, I've served as a campaign manager for several other school board candidates. That wouldn't have happened had I not been placed through Public Allies."
The networking and cohort experience proved to be one of the most invaluable aspects of being a Public Ally. She maintains close friendships with her cohort mates to this day, and the alumni network has opened up incredible career opportunities.
"A lot of nonprofits know about us, and some even say if you were an AmeriCorps or Public Ally alum, we encourage you to apply," she said. "I've been able to partner with other alumni on community projects too. The Public Allies experience really is rare and unlike anything else out there."
If she could go back and restart the program, Dickerson says she would have taken even more advantage of the networking component to connect with additional partner organizations. She also advises prospective Public Allies to not be afraid to ask questions, take on challenging projects and get to know as many people in the nonprofit community as possible.
"Just go for it," Dickerson encourages. "It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my professional career. There's an entire alumni network here to support you."
Dickerson's journey with Public Allies exemplifies the transformative power of the program and how it can ignite a lifelong commitment to service, advocacy and creating positive change in communities.
Image: Public Allies gathering during the 2022 Cactus Cup
Story by Nyasha Mhungu, ASU Lodestar Center
Learn more about how Public Allies Arizona is empowering the next generation of nonprofit leaders
Public Allies Arizona is changing the face and practice of leadership throughout Phoenix and Tucson communities by demonstrating our conviction that everyone can lead, and that lasting change results when citizens of all backgrounds step up, take responsibility and work together.
It is a 10-month AmeriCorps program that places emerging leaders in full-time and part-time paid internships with partner nonprofit organizations in the community. Our mission is to create a just and equitable society and the diverse leadership to sustain it.