Ashley Hamilton

Georgetown University, Global Human Development Program

Ashley Hamilton is a proud native of Flint, Michigan. In her freshman year of high school, Ashley attended a global leadership training conference in Cairo, Egypt that ignited her passion for International Affairs. In pursuit of that passion, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Spelman College. While at Spelman, Ashley spent a semester in Northern Brazil researching the role that natural hair plays in identity politics among self-identified Afro-Brazilian women. She later sought to improve upon her Portuguese language skills by participating in a cultural immersion program in Lisbon, Portugal. Additionally, Ashley served as a Captain on the Spelman College/Clark Atlanta University Debate team, as well as competed in the Harvard Model United Nations conference in Rome, Italy.

Following her undergraduate matriculation, Ashley enlisted in the Peace Corps. She served as an Education Volunteer in Mozambique where she taught English at the Secondary School level and gained invaluable knowledge in grassroots development. Outside of the traditional classroom, Ashley dedicated her time to cultivating a theater group comprised of local students who used the outlet to discuss pressing social issues in their community. She utilized that platform to encourage critical thought and discussions surrounding a number of prevalent issues, including malaria prevention, women’s rights, and gender-based violence. The experiences that Ashley gained throughout her time in the Peace Corps helped guide her to a career in International Development.

Ashley is ecstatic to be pursuing her Master of Arts in Global Human Development at Georgetown University this fall. She is looking forward to the opportunity to build a career with USAID, helping to address pressing global development challenges. While living and studying in the Washington, D.C. area, Ashley is anticipating indulging her love for great books, new adventures, and fabulous brunch scenes.