Ashley Chatmon

Ashley Chatmon holding a clapper board in the Ponce courtyard

About Ashley Chatmon

Jacksonville, Fla.

Communication Departmental Award

Digital Media Production & Journalism, and Media Studies majors | Film Studies minor
 

“My Flagler experience was unhinged, funky, and fresh.”

Black Student Union President, Student Government Association Senator, Orientation Leader, President’s Leadership Academy, Flagler Marketing and Communication Videography Intern (AURA Agency), Redirecting Engagement Strategies Empowering Teens (RESET) Tutor and Social Media Contributor, Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center Intern, American Association for School Administrators Digital Media and Editorial Assistant Intern


Ashley's History-Making Moments

Describe your central passion(s) and how you hope to carry that into your post-grad plans:

My central passion is loving my neighbor! For me, this looks like being a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. It also entails contributing to initiatives and nonprofits that invest in my community. I am especially passionate about youth education, literacy, accessible art experiences, and racial justice.

What (or who) helped inspire your passion in this area (or areas)?

I am definitely inspired by my mom. She taught me to read before I was even in school, and she has been dedicated to unlocking the gift of literacy in students for the past 30+ years. Since I’ve been in college she has been focused on teaching children with dyslexia.

Throughout my life, both my parents set an example of giving back to the community. They have been public school educators, track and field coaches, and youth mentors my whole life. I grew up with countless pseudo-siblings. Sports, public education, and community centers were the things that led my parents to outgrow difficult environments growing up. Through them, I’ve seen firsthand how these services can have a positive impact that spans multiple generations.

I am also inspired by community leaders and art educators from my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida like Tiffany Melanson, Sara Mahmoud, Shawana Brooks, and Angie Nixon. Not only have all of these people inspired me, but they have pointed me back to writers, organizers, and activists throughout history who made a difference in their time.

Chatmon smiling with diploma in front of fountain

Briefly tell us the story of one stand-out memory from your time at Flagler that will always make you smile: 

One memory that always makes me smile is an event that was put together by the incredible former event planner of the Black Student Union, Katera Frazier. She organized a guest talk from Thomas McCleary for Black History Month. Anyone who knows me knows I love Funk. Soul, and Disco music. The 70’s era is my favorite. It was an actual dream come true to meet the founder of the Commodores, an absolutely iconic group from that era.

What academic resources, experiences, or mentors proved most valuable throughout your Flagler experience?

The mentor who changed the course of my life at Flagler is Mary-Rose Pedron, who led programming for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Flagler. She relocated at the start of this past spring semester. She was a fierce leader who brought practicality, positivity, and authenticity to everything she was involved with. Mary-Rose encouraged me to run for Black Student Union president. More than that, she helped me grow into a leader and she offered affirmation and an office to cry in when I felt overwhelmed.

Ashley and Professor Wysocki at Commencement

I had a really great community of support that only grew with each year. I am super thankful to the staff members of various departments who have been a great help to me like Vernita Bowens, Ashley Brown, Nicole Carney, Ashley Coffey, and Holly Hill.

I am also incredibly thankful and have received support and guidance from all my Communication professors. I want to specifically recognize Dr. Chapman, Dr. Seranti, Dr. Wysocki, and Brian Thompson for their advice, lectures, and for pointing me towards opportunities that enhanced me as a student and future professional.

(Chatmon and Professor Wysocki at Commencement pictured to the right.)

What is one piece of advice or lesson you learned about the college experience that you wish you could tell your freshman year self?

The way that things are, is not the way things have to be. Life is all about change, why not be an agent of change that makes things better? Find a team of people who want to improve the world around you and get to work. What’s the best that could happen?

Tell us about what you’re up to next! Any cool experiences, professional positions, or unique opportunities you have lined up after graduation?

I’m diving right into supporting youth education in various capacities! I am also excited to get more involved with the Jacksonville Community Action Committee and the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network. 

Featured Work & Awards

Check out Ashley’s personal website www.ashleychatmon.com for more information about featured items below.

“Watering Our Roots,” Black History Video Series for Florida Historic Coast, Co-Creator and Producer

Popular Culture Association in the South & American Culture Association in the South (PCAS/ ACAS) Conference (Received Undergraduate Research Grant to present research in Media Studies at conference)

2024 Com Week Speech Contest Winner (1st Place) “Remember to Hold Someone”

2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Excellence in Diversity Award Recipient

Guest writer for the Flagler College Gargoyle

Gargoyle news mentions

Three-year student speaker at The City of St. Augustine’s MLK Day Celebration on behalf of Flagler College