Ashton is originally from Laplace, Louisiana where he was raised by his mother along with his two big brothers. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Denison University in Granville, Ohio. Ashton is also a Master’s of Public Policy candidate at the Hobby School for Public Affairs at the University of Houston. Ashton started his professional career as a middle school teacher and athletics coach in the Houston area. From there he has worked professionally as a community organizer before accepting a role as a LEE Public Policy fellow with the Project AWARE team. Ashton’s repertoire includes policy and data analysis, grassroots organizing, and political education training. His work is driven by the belief that equity comes with building community power and improving opportunities for all children in our education system. He remains ever diligent in the Houston community through his organizing and volunteering efforts with organizations like ONE Houston, Discovering U, and Switch Arts and Recreation Center.