Her Story
About Ashley
Ashley Barnett is a nonprofit development professional serving as the Director of Development at Manna House, Inc. in Baltimore, Maryland. In this leadership role, she oversees fundraising initiatives, donor relations, grant writing, social media strategy, development communications, and community engagement. She also supports organizational operations by assisting with volunteer efforts and client services, demonstrating a hands-on commitment to advancing Manna House's mission of serving the community.
Ashley earned her Bachelor of Arts in English (Creative Writing) from Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg) in 2024. During her time in college, she developed strong communication, editing, leadership, and organizational skills through her involvement as a Writing Consultant with WALES, Managing Editor and Reporter for The Voice, and Editor for the Warren Literacy Journal. Her passion for community service and volunteerism ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in nonprofit leadership immediately after graduation.
Driven by persistence, integrity, and a genuine passion for helping others, Ashley believes that resilience and continuous learning are essential to professional success. She values honesty and respect as the cornerstones of meaningful relationships and effective leadership. As the nonprofit sector continues to navigate economic challenges affecting charitable giving, she remains focused on strengthening donor engagement, fostering community partnerships, and creating sustainable opportunities that expand the impact of the organizations and communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ashley
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence and resilience. Throughout my journey, I have learned that setbacks are a natural part of growth, and every challenge presents an opportunity to improve. Rather than giving up, I continue to learn from my experiences, adapt, and move forward with determination. Maintaining grit and a willingness to keep trying has helped shape both my personal and professional development.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is not to sell myself short. Early in my career, I believed I should only pursue entry-level opportunities because I had just graduated from college. However, I learned that the experiences, skills, and knowledge I had already developed were valuable. Believing in my abilities and confidently applying for opportunities has taught me that taking chances often leads to meaningful career growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the nonprofit sector is to never allow intimidation to limit your potential. While you may find yourself working alongside more experienced professionals or in environments that can feel challenging, it is important to stand confidently in your abilities. Believe that you are capable, deserving, and prepared to make meaningful contributions. Confidence, perseverance, and authenticity will help you build a rewarding and impactful career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges facing the nonprofit sector today is the economic climate, which has placed financial pressure on many individuals who would otherwise be regular donors. This has required organizations to become more intentional in demonstrating the value and impact of every contribution. I believe opportunities lie in strengthening donor relationships through meaningful recognition, embracing a "give-get-give" philosophy, and encouraging greater collaboration among nonprofit organizations to maximize community impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are honesty and respect. These principles were instilled in me from an early age and continue to shape how I build relationships with colleagues, donors, volunteers, and the communities we serve. I believe that leading with integrity and treating others with respect creates trust, strengthens collaboration, and lays the foundation for long-term success both personally and professionally.
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