We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Kekula and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, how does your business help the community?
I have always been an advocate of service & I always knew I wanted to include that in whatever career path I chose. Having a Media Platform like AK Coverage, gives me the opportunity to not only showcase the great things that people are doing in my community and others, but it gives me the opportunity to speak about certain issues that communities face on a daily basis. AK Coverage allows me to be able to serve the community in a way that I know best, using word of mouth and technology to inspire & uplift others!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Currently I am the AmeriCorps Program Coordinator at Clayton State University. I stumbled upon this career path by happen stance and it somehow became what I didn’t know I needed. I have found so much joy and purpose in this career. As a program coordinator for AmeriCorps, I have the privilege of incorporating a mindset of service into students. I am able to teach and show them how to become a servant leader, and why it is important for us as citizens, to do for others at all times, whenever able. I am able to lead my students in service projects, month after month, to encourage the need for service. I see students come to my office time after time just in search of reaching a certain limit of community service hours and leave with a newfound heart and love for service and the greatness it gives. Being in this career field has opened my eyes to other possibilities of higher education, and how I can grow and help students grow at the same time.

It has given me more of a “Why” for my own dreams and goals.
I hope to achieve the fact and feeling, that every student that I have had the pleasure of advising, mentoring, guiding, or teaching, grows to understand what being a servant leader truly is. I hope that my students past, present and future learn to believe that service Is necessary and that it is a privilege to give unto others, especially for those who can not do for themselves. This module’s readings and videos helped me to gain a better understanding of the ethics and values that I should continue to uphold in my leadership role. I will continue to use this why throughout my leadership journey with AK Coverage and my career, especially when times get hard and it becomes easy to forget or not understand why a situation may come about.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a big foodie and I am always in search of a good place to hang out with my girls. & of course get some good tacos.! Top 3 food places I would have my best friend try are Bar Mercado, Marlow’s Tavern and of course STK for some good steak! For me if I just want a casual day to hang out with some friends, Ponce City Market is always fun and there’s always something to do at Centennial Park.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My love for service has always been grounded in my because of my parents. I come from two Immigrants from Liberia, West Africa that have done everything and anything to give my siblings and I everything we could ever want or need. They have always instilled in me that when you are blessed, it is your duty to bless others. I have taken that with me wherever I go and I have used that in all aspects of AK Coverage. It motivates me to continue lifting others in my community and providing for those who can not necessarily always provide for themselves. I have to give a shout out to my family and friends for their continued support with AK Coverage. They are always up to help with any thing I need, whether it be an interview, hosting event, or back to school bash.

Instagram: ak_coverage (Personal) @knownaskekula

Youtube: 2Cents Podcast

Image Credits
Golden Alibi Photography

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