NAME: ELIZABETH ASHTON
HOMETOWN: DANBURY, CT
It’s time to meet the first member of the 45th Street team in Manhattan! Meet Elizabeth, a recent graduate of Barnard College at Columbia University with a degree in Political Science.
With a background studying, researching, and working for organizations interested in health care systems, insurance policy, and welfare systems, Elizabeth has come to America Works ready to tackle the gaps in employment caused by insurance coverage in her research, while providing pathways into healthcare roles through her curriculum development. Elizabeth has also become a star member of the America Works grants team and is helping lead this year’s Fellowship Committee, providing professional development, social activities, and communications opportunities to this year’s fellowship class nationwide.
ELIZABETH’S FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”
A BOOK THAT MADE AN IMPACT:
The Giver
Growing up, Elizabeth always wanted to be a doctor, but after working with patients and in hospitals she became passionate about the policies that work behind the scenes to impact individuals' experiences. Her interest in health goes hand in hand with an interest in supporting meaningful employment. Not only does America's healthcare system make employment and income almost required for access to healthcare, but both an individual’s health and employment are so central to a person's everyday life.
Elizabeth has already converted her passion into practice, designing and co-facilitating a Masterclass for Emerging Healthcare Leaders and diving into the intersection of health and employment for her research project.
ON ELIZABETH’S NYC BUCKET LIST
Eat at Katz’s Deli!
WHAT SHE’S (RE-)WATCHING ON NETFLIX
New Girl and Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Now that you’ve met some of our Work First Fellows, keep up with them! Follow Work First on Twitter and Facebook to support our work connecting people with jobs and researching innovative strategies to combat poverty.