Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Ashley Klinger
Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell
Raised in Eagle River, Alaska, and born in Anchorage with roots in King Salmon, Ashley Klinger is a force of nature in the human services field. Her journey reflects resilience, growth, and an unwavering dedication to serving others.
Ashley earned her undergraduate degree in Human Services at UAA, with a minor in psychology and an endorsement in conflict resolution and family mediation. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree, shifting her focus from individual counseling to macro-level advocacy and public policy. She recognizes the urgent need for systemic change in how Alaska addresses youth homelessness and vulnerable populations.
From working in residential treatment at VOA to stepping into leadership as a Lead and later Program Manager at Covenant House Alaska, Ashley’s career has been a steady progression of growth, responsibility, and impact. At Covenant House, she helped build and strengthen programs that continue to thrive, fueled by her leadership and her belief that “sometimes all it takes is someone believing in you.”
Mentorship has played a pivotal role in her journey. Influences like Gena Graves, Amber Fullmer, Dr. Yvonne Chase, and Wendy Shackleford (Officer Shack) opened doors, challenged her to step outside her comfort zone, and showed her the power of guidance and encouragement. From interning at Passage House with young mothers and babies to confronting the challenges of OCS where she developed a capstone project on bridging cultural gaps with military families, Ashley consistently said “yes” to opportunities, even when they felt daunting.
Ashley credits much of her professional philosophy to these experiences: ethics, bravery, and showing up. “It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress, and being fearless enough to keep showing up,” she says. This mantra has carried her through challenges, from public speaking fears to policy work, and inspires others who follow in her footsteps.
Today, Ashley thrives in program development, weaving together ethical storytelling, data-driven insights, and person-centered approaches. She is especially passionate about addressing youth homelessness and is excited about projects like the YWCA Alaska Childcare Co-Op Workshop Series, which she believes has the power to create sustainable opportunities for parents, families, and entire communities.
What Ashley loves most about Alaska is its compassionate, community-minded spirit. She sees neighbors supporting neighbors, nonprofits collaborating rather than gatekeeping, and grassroots events bringing people together. In her words, Alaska is filled with “passionate helpers.”
Her guiding advice? “Be fearless and keep showing up. Don’t spend your energy worrying about what hasn’t happened yet. Be ethical, be kind, and take care of yourself. Progress, not perfection, is what creates real change.”
Ashley’s story is a reminder that inspiration isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about showing up, saying yes, and believing in the power of community.