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

Hi Ashley, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up in Las Vegas and had a diverse friends group of friends; Asian, Jewish, Dominican, black and white. My family were considered middle class and my two best friends of 19 years are white Mormon conservatives. I played volleyball and was on the dance divas team which at that time was not something that a lot of black girls participated in at my school. I loved being considered the “different” black girl. I was articulate and people were impressed on how smart I was or told me I was the prettiest black girl they’ve seen or loved the way I dressed “ghetto” at times or would assume I knew all of the latest hip hop dances and said I was super “athletic.” During this time of my life I didn’t realize these were micro aggressions since I was just so happy that I was accepted. I then received a scholarship to a Historically Black College, Morgan State University and learned so much about my black history and culture which led me to call my mom to tell her how much the education system has done me a disservice and our family did too of not telling me about the real history black Americans. Of course I was still considered “different” because I was the west coast chick who talked like a valley girl. Coaching at Coppin State University started to awaken my ethnic identity and I was learning how race and socio-economics play a huge role in education, funding and perceptions of not only HBCUs but black people in general. I then excitedly moved to Southern California to coach volleyball and those micro aggressions that I haven’t heard since High School came back but they hit me different and when I would try to address the offensiveness of the comments; I was dismissed as being too sensitive and that it’s not a big deal which led to me trying to assimilate. Assimilation hardened me for a couple of years because even when I tried to just go with it and brush things off; I felt so misunderstood and not seen or heard. It wasn’t until I read Dare to Lead by Brene Brown that I learned that changing the culture of my program by helping young women have critical conversations, boundaries and empathy is the way I can understand my players better and how they can understand me beyond assumptions and perceptions. This work that was done in my small area helped facilitate and guide conversations about the present day issues of 2020. It was like everything I was trying to address in the past was finally being heard which made me understand timing of things and since so many racial situations aren’t blatant on the west as they are in the south; people aren’t even aware they are going on. It made my high school friends reflect and have tough conversations with family members and friends as well as open up dialogue with people I work with on how to discuss things with their teams and colleagues. Without my upbringing and professional journey I would have never figured out how to find my voice as a proud black woman and help others find their voices through continual conversations and understanding. Now what I want for all of my players is to embrace who they are whole heartedly and unapologetically because our differences are our greatest strength and as a diverse team we want to always add to the culture not divide it. I also want them to always know; I see you, I support you, You matter… You’re capable and deserving.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m most proud of that in 2019 we were very intentional with creating a better culture for our program. We have a code titled Being our Sister’s Keeper and the core values are being relational, responsible and respectful. I learned culture is everything in the workplace and without a strong culture you can’t make it through the tough times.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My DTLA/LBC Itinerary Brunch at: The Attic in Long Beach Happy Hour: Preux & Proper in DTLA Dinner Mexican: Lola’s Mexican Cuisine in Long Beach Italian: Ellie’s in Long Beach Food Truck: Billionaire Burger Boys in Long Beach & LA Bars: The Association on Thursday’s with DJ Sean G (Who is one of the best DJ in LA). Anywhere Earry Hall is DJing: The Reserve or Shoo Shoo Baby The Dime on Friday’s Lock & Key Ice Cream Sunday’s during the summer Yoga on the Bluff at 11am any day Walk around downtown Long Beach to see all of the art and murals

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 sister Alex My mentor Fang My Friends Amy and Brittany My colleagues Shaun and Summer My books Dare to Lead – Brene Brown More than Enough- Elaine Welteroth

Image Credits
Matt Brown