Staff Spotlight: Ashley Villanueva (she/her)

October 11, 2023

Director of Communications
Division of Equity & Inclusion

How long have you been at Berkeley?

Berkeley has been a significant part of my life's journey. I started as a student here back in 2009 and spent three memorable years on campus until 2012. Following my time as a student, I transitioned into a staff role in 2012 and have since worked in various capacities across different departments, including Undergraduate Admissions, the UHS Tang Center, and most recently, the Fung Institute for Engineering Leadership. Excitingly, my path at Berkeley is taking a new turn as I prepare to join the Division of Equity and Inclusion on October 23 as the Director of Communications.

What do you love most about working here?

The heart of what makes Berkeley special for me is its incredible sense of community. There's a shared dedication to creating a positive impact, and it's truly heartwarming. Berkeley is a place where innovation thrives, fostering a real spirit of collaboration and embracing diversity. Being a part of this institution that's at the forefront of change and unafraid to push boundaries in higher education is both inspiring and fulfilling.

What's your job?

In my role as the Director of Communications for the Division of Equity and Inclusion, I'm responsible for steering and shaping our communication efforts. This involves working closely with an exceptional team to convey our division's mission, values, and various initiatives to our wider community. My primary focus is to use the power of effective communication to build bridges and shed light on the impactful work taking place within the Division of Equity and Inclusion. I invite folks to reach out to share any thoughts or ideas! 

What's a great day at work look like for you?

A great day at work is one where I can see our communication efforts making a difference. Whether it's through compelling storytelling, fostering inclusivity, or amplifying the voices and stories of our community members, a successful day is when our communication resonates and contributes to the broader mission of equity and inclusion. Collaboration, creativity, and progress are the key ingredients of a great day at work.

What do you hope will be different in your work this time next year?

Looking ahead to the coming year, my aspiration is to see our communication efforts continuing to grow in impact. I anticipate deeper engagement within our community, building even stronger connections. Additionally, I'm eagerly exploring new strategies and avenues for communication to adapt to the evolving landscape of higher education and the dynamic needs of our community. Ultimately, I'm dedicated to forging a more inclusive and tightly knit Berkeley community through our communication initiatives.

Where’s your favorite place on campus?

Lower Sproul for people watching.

Fun fact about me:

I do the NY Times Wordle and Crossword Puzzle every day. 

Headshot of Ashley Villanueva