2025 Alumna of the Year

Growing up, Kori Ashley, DSHA ’05, knew she would attend DSHA. A tradition in her family, her three aunts, including Joyce Ashley, DSHA ’76; Janice Ashley, DSHA ’81; and Carol Ashley, DSHA ’86, were excited for her to carry on with the tradition. Later, her cousins Elise Ashley, DSHA ’15, and Zoe Ashley, DSHA ’17, also attended DSHA. As soon as Ashley entered the all-girls environment as a freshman, she knew DSHA was a special place.

Ashley was involved in numerous activities throughout her time at DSHA. She played tennis, was a member of the Multicultural Club co-curricular, and acted as an Admissions Student Recruiter. She shared, “There were so many opportunities at DSHA. The all-girls environment fostered an atmosphere that allowed students to explore passions and interests while learning how to advocate for themselves and others.”

Academically, she vividly remembers her DSHA AP Government class with Social Studies Department Chair & Faculty Patrick Dawson. She credits that class with inspiring her to obtain her BS in Political Science from DePaul University in 2009. “My obsession with the news, and starting to ask myself what I could do to positively impact my community, began with that class.” She continued, “Mr. Dawson was always bringing in current events and making them relevant to the material. It made us aware of what was going on outside of our lives, and it fostered in me a deep care about what happens to others and how I can help.”

Finishing her undergraduate degree, Ashley thought she would move to Washington, D.C., and work in government. With low job availability at the time, she reflected on the classes she loved in undergrad, her desire to help others, and how she could marry the two. With a push from her advisor, she took the LSAT and later enrolled in law school. She received her JD at UW-Madison in 2012.

Beginning as a criminal defense attorney, Ashley represented the accused in state and federal court. “I always had a curiosity about what happened to individuals once I was finished representing them,” she explained. This curiosity led her to accept a position with Legal Action of Wisconsin, where she worked as a staff attorney for four years on the Road to Opportunity Project. She worked with individuals previously involved in the criminal justice system to remove legal barriers to finding employment, affordable housing, and more. “I loved being able to provide information to people that could improve their lives,” she stated. “Sometimes it was as straightforward as directing them to a form, or explaining their criminal history, that could have a meaningful impact.”

After serving nearly seven years as a lawyer, Ashley was one of the youngest individuals appointed to a Circuit Court Judge position for the state of Wisconsin at the age of 32. She stated, “I thought I would be a lawyer forever.” However, she could not turn down the opportunity and accepted the appointment. She was elected to serve a full term in April 2021.