This week, we were blessed to interview our Director of Development, Ashley Alexander. Ashley has served in leadership roles for a myriad of nonprofit organizations for the past 17 years. She is a fundraiser, a talented communicator & a leader, and a proud first-generation college graduate who values life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. When not in the virtual office, you can find Ashley (with her husband, family or friends) in nature, playing piano or singing, at church, or practicing one of her many hobbies. We are so blessed to have her as part of the Patriot Academy team. Please enjoy this interview!
What is your role at Patriot Academy and how long have you been with them?
I’m the Director of Development and I began working with Patriot Academy in April 2023 – just a few weeks before we held the groundbreaking event at the campus.
Can you share about your professional background and career path leading to this role?
I began fundraising for nonprofit organizations 18 years ago in 2007, and have had the privilege of working for very different organizations with varying missions over the past nearly 2 decades. From an old picture house built in the 1920s, to a famous Zoo and conservation organization, my alma mater, a natural history museum, and most recently BLEXIT Foundation, founded by Candace Owens and Officer Brandon Tatum. I’ve been honored to help nonprofits— and more importantly, their supporters—invest in missions that change lives and improve the world we live in. It’s a special and unique career that connects passionate people to the causes and values they believe in, helping them grow an organization and its impact as a result.
Why is what you do important? What is your mission?
I seek to make lasting impacts on our world and contribute to meaningful work that I believe in. In my opinion, giving to an organization is more than a transaction. When a donor gives to a nonprofit, they are saying to the organization: “I believe in you.” “I trust you.” “What you are doing is important, and I want to help you make it happen.”. To me, that’s a commitment. Honestly, it’s really no different than a relationship. The same ways in which we show our friends and family that we value our relationships are akin to how I treat my work. My goal is for our supporters to feel connected to Patriot Academy and to feel like they understand what we are doing with their investment, the ways in which their gifts are having an impact, and how their commitment is truly changing lives. Everyone’s motivation for giving is different, but at the end of the day, we all want to feel appreciated, respected, and like our gift has made a difference. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to connect with our supporters and hear about their lives as I tell them what’s going on at Patriot Academy.
What does Patriot Academy’s mission mean to you?
I think it’s extremely important that as American citizens, we understand our Constitution in great detail and the proper role of government. Sadly, at least in my public school education, we did not learn about the Constitution in significant detail. If we don’t understand it, how can we defend it? How can we preserve it? I feel like I’ve heard headlines saying the founding documents are outdated, or we no longer need a particular amendment, etc., and to me, those sentiments seem to come from a place of ignorance. As I’ve gone through the Patriot Academy programs, I’ve come to understand the context from which the articles and amendments were written. Sadly, that context is not taught in public school. Sure, I recall learning about the Bill of Rights and the 3 branches, but it felt brief and not fully based in the context of why each was established. If we do not know our rights and responsibilities, then we are not sufficiently informed when we go to the polls and vote for our representation.
I truly value that Patriot Academy is teaching people about our Constitutional Republic and going into great detail about each article and amendment through programs like Biblical Citizenship and Constitution Alive. I’ve had supporters who studied Constitutional Law at University tell me that they’ve learned more from our courses than they did in law school – and that speaks volumes about the comprehensiveness of our programs. I absolutely love to watch our Leadership Congress program—the mock legislative training for youth, Coaches and Military Veterans—in person as well.
I’m always amazed by the courage and conviction of the participants, especially the young people, as they prepare a Bill based on a current issue our society faces today. They’ve done their research to understand how the issue is affecting society, and have given significant thought to how their proposed solution will not only address or solve the problem facing society, but do so in a way that honors the freedom principles outlined in our Constitutional Republic (e.g., the limited role of government). I wish I had had the opportunity to attend a Leadership Congress when I was 16 (sadly, Patriot Academy didn’t exist way back then!), and I honestly feel like every single young person in America today should participate in this program. Not only will it grow and deepen their knowledge of our Constitutional Republic, but it will help them hone their own beliefs, and grow in their public speaking skills, confidence, and teamwork abilities.
Describe a typical week for you.
Every day is a bit different. Many days I have the privilege of being on the phone connecting with supporters or leaving voicemails and sending personal texts or emails. Other days, I am writing Patriot Society eNewsletter copy or personal correspondence to supporters. Sometimes I’m extremely heads-down as I work on a letter of inquiry or grant proposal to request funding from a Foundation. Every grant proposal is unique, so these require a lot of time and focus to ensure we’re putting out a great product. And, like in all work, there are a lot of behind-the-scenes components involving database upkeep, pulling lists, and participating in meetings. The one constant in my daily work is that I can be found at my computer typing at my typical hurricane speed. Rick may speak at hurricane speed, but I’m known for typing extremely fast.
What has been a memorable experience during your time with PA?
One of the most memorable moments was at the Groundbreaking in April 2023. I had barely begun to work for Patriot Academy, and it was my first time meeting staff—including Rick and Kara Green—in person. I was shocked when I saw staff wearing their guns at the groundbreaking event. I was a bit taken aback, actually, because everywhere else I’ve worked had policies against staff being able to carry, despite laws permitting one to do so. I remember asking Rick if I could wear mine, and he of course said, “yes”. At that moment, I knew I was home. I was finally working somewhere that respected my Constitutional rights, and it really hit me at that moment. Not only did my employer respect my Constitutional rights, but I was now going to have the opportunity to help others learn about their rights and all of the ways they’re being infringed upon. You cannot assert and defend your rights if you don’t know what they are.
What would you say to someone interested in doing what you do?
Recognize that this career is about human relationships first and foremost. It’s not about hitting dollar goals—although that’s also important—it’s about cultivating long-lasting relationships with people and honoring their intentions as they selflessly give part of their fortune to invest in the mission you’re advancing.
What are your hidden talents? 🙂 What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I’m a singer and dancer by training, and an aerialist as well. I perform in various aerial dance festivals and showcases, on the silks apparatus—two 20’ long silk fabrics that hang from the ceiling—think Cirque de soleil but on an amateur level. I’m also in the choir at my church, sing on their Praise Team, and participate in a women ’s-only church choir for my state. Just this past year alone, I sang over 275 unique songs/arrangements! I play the piano and am learning the accordion as well – it was my Grandmother’s, and the darn thing weighs over 30 pounds! I love to ride a tandem bicycle with my husband, read the Bible as well as fiction and nonfiction. And if I really have spare time, you can find me making jewelry.
What’s your favorite coffee at the Patriot Brew?
I keep waiting for the day we offer a decaf Patriot Brew so that I can try it as I don’t drink caffeine. I’m “naturally caffeinated” so while I love the flavor of coffee, I don’t need any extra energy!
What is something God has been teaching you this past year?
To trust him and to listen. To be faithful and patient during times of uncertainty and to know that He has a plan. For someone who enjoys planning, achieving and being in control, this has been a humbling lesson and frankly one I’m still working on. I trust in God and I know he will reveal His will for my life in His time.
What motivates you to do your best work?
I feel very strongly about integrity, honesty, and responsibility. I believe if you say you’re going to do something, you should do it and do it to the best of your ability. In general, I’m very keen on always seeking to improve myself and whatever I achieved in the past. I suppose that’s why I’m still actively learning new things and pushing myself further and further in my personal time as well. I believe I only have one opportunity to do things right, and I want to be the best I can possibly be. I have a lifelong curiosity and desire to continuously learn and improve, but most importantly, I want to glorify God in all that I say and do.
What is your goal looking forward?
Our goal is for our supporters to be proud of their investments in Patriot Academy. We want our supporters to know that they are more than a fiduciary sponsor, they are a partner – part of the family. It’s incredibly important to us that our supporters feel connected to Patriot Academy, in the know and up to date (despite the speed at which we move!), and like they are truly a part of the organization, regardless of where they live. In fact, we have supporters in virtually every state of the nation, and we recognize that many cannot, and may never be able to, visit the campus. So, it is up to my team and me to make sure we bring it to them through personal phone calls, email updates, and Zoom meetings with Rick, Kara, and the team.
