Ashley René Lee

Ashley René Lee has a diverse and extensive work experience in the field of communications and public relations. Ashley René is currently the Co-Founder and Chief Communications Officer at Peadbo, a position they have held since January 2021. Previously, they worked at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, where they served as the Vice President of Strategic Communications from July 2020. Prior to that role, they held the position of Vice President of Public Relations and Marketing from August 2017 to July 2020.

Before joining the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Ashley worked as a Communications Consultant under their own self-employment since September 2010. In this role, they provided clients from various industries with comprehensive strategic communications plans and offered consultation and training on communications and public relations best practices.

From July 2012 to August 2017, Ashley served as the Assistant Director of Communications for Residence Education and Housing Services at Michigan State University. In this role, they managed the newly established REHS Communications Office and oversaw internal and external marketing and communications initiatives.

Earlier in their career, Ashley held roles as the Publications and Communications Specialist at Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. from March 2009 to July 2012. Ashley René was also a Freelance Writer for multiple publications from October 2006 to January 2009. Additionally, they founded and served as the editor for the STAND UP! Newsletter from October 2004 to January 2009.

Ashley has also gained experience as a Neighborhood Coordinator at LISC/AmeriCorp from September 2007 to May 2008 and as an On-Campus: GVSU Blog, Campus Correspondent at The Grand Rapids Press from January 2007 to April 2007. Ashley René started their career as a News Intern at Essence Magazine from June 2006 to August 2006.

Throughout their varied work experience, Ashley René Lee has demonstrated their expertise in communications, public relations, and strategic planning.

Ashley René Lee completed their Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Grand Valley State University from 2003 to 2007. During the same period, they also pursued a Minor in African and African American Studies at the same institution. Later, from 2009 to 2011, Ashley attended Georgetown University and earned a Masters of Professional Studies degree in Public Relations & Corporate Communications.