Ashley Cortez (she/they) is the Design Lead for the Service Design Studio in the NYC Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity and the Program Lead for the Designed by Community Fellowship Program. Prior to working in the design and technology sector, Ashley spent her formative career years in direct service for non-profits and local government with a range of clients, including children, families, and victims of domestic and sexual violence. With a strong background in direct social services, advocacy, emergency outreach response, and civic engagement, Ashley brings her passion for community, healing, and restorative practices into the design space to steer all of her projects, not just in scoping and project outputs, but also in the experience of those participating in those projects.

Originally from Florida, Ashley came to NYC for a graduate degree at ITP (Interactive Telecommunications Program) at NYU’s Tisch School of Arts where she explored creative outcomes to the question, “How might technology and design be harnessed for good?” In her off time she enjoys throwing pottery and tending to her large collection of plants.