Ashley Berman: Finding where she bELONgs on Elon’s campus

Ashley Berman is an active member of Elon Volunteers! serving in a variety of positions, including her current position as one of the executive directors for the organization.

By Kristin Moore '19

It was during her sophomore year at Elon that Ashley Berman ‘19 found her sense of community.

Executive Directors of Elon Volunteers! from left, Ashley Berman '19, Katie Mars '19, Bonnie Bloxom '19.
She began working as an office manager in the Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement, a center that quickly turned into a place where she could be herself. Now as one of three executive directors for Elon Volunteers!, Berman credits the Kernodle Center with defining her time at Elon.

Berman’s passion for service started when she was young. In high school, she was heavily involved in service work. When she started at Elon, Berman knew she wanted to volunteer, but had trouble adjusting from high school to college. In the fall of her sophomore year, Berman challenged herself to get more involved, and that was when she found the Kernodle Center.

"The office manager position is a great opportunity to help students learn the ins and outs of the Kernodle Center,” said Berman.

Following her involvement as an Office Manager, Berman later became the director of animal welfare and the conference planning coordinator for Cinderella Project. “I wanted to get further involved and give back to the organization that helped me find my home at Elon,” said Berman.

Berman and fellow Cinderella Project committee members during one of their events. 
This ultimately led Berman to apply for an executive director position this year.

The Elon Volunteers! executive directors help lead Elon Volunteers! on-campus and in the community by embodying the mission of the organization. In this role, Berman’s supports the leadership development of her fellow student leaders.

Her favorite part of her position is being able to meet one-on-one with other leaders and hear about their accomplishments. Berman shared that she loves seeing people find their place in Elon Volunteers!.

“Whether you are involved deeply or on a smaller scale, this is such an incredible organization that can really transform the way you think and act and develop a love for serving,” said Berman. 

Berman is a human service studies major, with minors in psychology and criminal justice. Following graduation, she will be attending the University of Denver, where she will begin working toward a master's degree in social work.