Design leader shaping stories, systems, and experiences that connect us
Let me tell you a story
Great design begins with a great story. Here you’ll find a curated selection of work exploring how story and system intertwine, turning design into a bridge between people, purpose, and possibility.
Hi, I’m Ashley.
I believe design is an act of connection. Between people, ideas, and the systems that shape them. I’m a creator at heart, endlessly curious about how things are made and how they make us feel. That curiosity drives how I build: with empathy, clarity, and a balance of order and emotion.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve designed, built and led central design functions that bridge creativity and technology. At Marriott International, I unified over 30 global brands through a cohesive digital design system. At the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, I established the central product design function, guiding design system and brand experience teams to make education tools more intuitive and human.
Today, I lead One Cisco Design, a center of excellence for intelligent design at Cisco. One that creates coherence and connection across brand, product, and systems. Shaping technology that feels intelligent, expressive, and deeply human.
“No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be.”
—Isaac Isamov
Principles + Approach
I believe design is a language that can inspire, connect and move people. I lead by shaping clear stories and visual languages that bring intelligence to life in a deeply human way. I thrive in complexity, helping teams find focus and momentum, and I am driven by a commitment to create meaningful experiences that elevate emotion, clarity and trust across every touchpoint.
+ Align a shared vision
+ Lead with empathy
+ Empower teams
+ Champion design excellence
+ Foster space for curiosity and play
+ Lead from the future