Breadcrumb
Leadership Studies Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Hammock
Role: Non-Profit Leadership
Year Graduated: 2025
Why did you select Cal Poly Humboldt for your bachelor’s degree?
I chose Cal Poly Humboldt because of its commitment to social justice, community engagement, and environmental consciousness all values that align with my personal mission and the work I do through my nonprofit, World of Powerful Youth. As someone deeply invested in youth empowerment and holistic education, I was drawn to Humboldt’s interdisciplinary approach and the opportunity to study Leadership Studies in a setting that honors both individual growth and collective responsibility. The campus culture encouraged me to think critically, lead with compassion, and stay rooted in service.
How did Leadership Studies help your career goals?
Leadership Studies gave me the language, tools, and theoretical grounding to articulate what I had already been practicing in community spaces for years. It helped me bridge my lived experience as a nonprofit founder, youth mentor, and property manager with academic frameworks around organizational change, educational equity, and strategic communication. The program affirmed my calling to support students, especially those navigating systems that weren’t built with them in mind. It sharpened my ability to advocate, advise, and co-create pathways for others to thrive–skills I now bring into every space, especially as I pursue Academic Advising roles.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
Trust your voice, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. Your story, your background, and your questions are valid and they belong in every classroom. Build relationships with your professors, advisors, and peers who see your potential and challenge you to grow. And most importantly, give yourself grace. Growth isn’t linear, and neither is leadership. You’re not just earning a degree – you’re shaping your legacy.
