ABOUT ASHLEY
Ashley Shade is a long-time resident of North Adams, having moved here with her family in 1991. After graduating from Charles H. McCann Technical High School, she began working and later studying at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts where her interest in politics and civics began. She has a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration. Her professional career has led her into a position where she is able to help people and continue to advocate.
She served as a Senior Service Support Consultant for Wayfair, where she also lead an Employee Resource Group for LGBTQ+ employees and allies, and was appointed to the Corporate Impact Council where she was able to help drive positive culture change within the global organization. Ashley is actively involved in numerous organizations, serving to advoate for marginalizd communities. She works in Customer Service, and previously worked in healthcare at the hospital, pharmacy and nursing home settings and understands the complex issues that confront the residents in and around North Adams.
As the Chairwoman of a national non-profit organization, Outright Libertarians, and a member of the National Transgender Visibility March policy team, Ashley continues to work and offer solutions to serve and represent LGBTQ+ community issues and provide a positive impact on people’s lives. Her election as chair of the Libertarian Party of Massachusetts set history, making Ashley the first transgender person in Massachusetts to be elected as the chair of a state political party. She is a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusiveness and uses her platform to increase education and awareness around the issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Her current work on the Human Services Commission and the Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Access (I.D.E.A.) Working Group has helped further the aim to build a strong, safe, and vibrant community in North Adams.
Being transgender has given her a unique perspective on what it feels like to be marginalized, a perspective that and the vital importance of helping people of all backgrounds and treating them with equal compassion.
As a council member, Ashley Shade will be committed to serving all residents, businesses and visitors with equality, respect, and dignity; and will always represent the City of North Adams through her fundamental core values of Compassion, Education, and Love.
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