Ashley is a fundraiser who loves connecting people with ideas and causes that matter. She brings more than 10 years of experience building fundraising programs, most recently with the Terry Fox Foundation in Canada supporting cancer research. A particularly meaningful part of that work was translating complex discoveries into compelling stories of impact: connecting the researchers advancing science with those who want to make it possible.
A lifelong science enthusiast, Ashley’s studies have taken her from microbiology labs to archaeological fieldwork. She is passionate about communication, curiosity, and making complex ideas accessible, and counts Dr. Steven Novella of The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe podcast among her science heroes.
Ashley lives in Decatur with her family, where local wildlife has inspired a backyard “Lizard Cam” and a song about their resident cicada, Lovey.
Swetha Sharma is a former journalist turned communications executive. She spent nearly 15 years at CNN and now brings her newsroom curiosity and wordsmithing to organizations spanning aviation, hospitality, and manufacturing. Hands down, though, the most fun and impactful storytelling comes from supporting Science ATL’s mission. While Swetha doesn’t work in the sciences, nearly everyone in her life who matters has a career in STEM. She’s proud to play a small part in helping Science ATL do its vital work across Atlanta’s schools and communities.
