Ashley Singh, a first-year graduate student in the MSW/MBA dual degree program at Kennesaw State University, is known for her positive attitude and active involvement in campus initiatives, according to a Mar. 31 announcement.
Singh’s dedication to social work and leadership stems from her own experiences with homelessness during childhood. She has channeled these experiences into helping others through various roles on campus and in the community.
Ally McElwee, CARE Services program coordinator, said she was immediately struck by Singh’s enthusiasm when communicating with students in the ASCEND program. “She responded back in all caps and with exclamation points, ‘Yes, I’m so excited, can’t wait to meet with you,'” McElwee said. “The enthusiasm was unbeatable, and it turns out she’s like that in person – so much joy.” Singh explained her motivation by saying: “I’m just doing what I usually do, putting other people first.”
Singh currently interns with Rome City Schools’ social work office while also serving as an ambassador for ASCEND—a program supporting students who have experienced homelessness or foster care—and as a facilitator for Silence the Shame University at KSU. Her academic path began on the Double Owl Pathways track to earn both a bachelor’s degree in human services and a master’s degree in social work before joining the dual MSW/MBA program.
Reflecting on her journey toward social work after personal family challenges during high school, Singh said: “A lot of people in that high school had mental health issues; a lot of us were stressed, but that’s just part of the grind,” adding that she wanted to help others facing similar struggles.
Recently, Singh shared her story at Social Work Day on the Hill in Washington D.C., advocating for more support for social workers through events organized by national organizations such as CRISP. She also presented at last fall’s Embark Leadership conference about institutional support for resilient students like herself.
Looking ahead, Singh hopes to become a school counselor or social worker and eventually pursue doctoral studies while remaining involved with KSU. McElwee described Singh as ASCEND’s “big sister to everyone” and said: “I could see her running a nonprofit someday… I could see her in my seat someday, and I’m absolutely fine with that.” In turn, Singh expressed gratitude toward Kennesaw State University: “There are so many opportunities here. You just have to embrace them.”
