Ashley E. Nickels, Ph.D. - Founder and Director

Hi, I’m Ashley E. Nickels, a passionate advocate for democracy, community empowerment, and transformative change. My journey began in 2006, training activists and managing civic leadership programs, and has since evolved into nearly two decades of working alongside communities, organizations, and coalitions to advance equity and justice.

I specialize in creating spaces for meaningful dialogue, equipping communities with tools for civic engagement, and helping organizations build strategies for sustainable impact. Whether it’s leading workshops, designing civic education programs, or facilitating collaborative problem-solving, I’m dedicated to supporting others in making their voices heard and their actions effective.

As the co-founder of the Growing Democracy Project, I co-hosted a podcast, developed an online civic education curriculum, and led community-based initiatives like photovoice projects and democracy roundtables. These experiences taught me the power of connecting people to ideas and each other, and they continue to inspire my work today.

Now, as the founder of Civic Power LLC, I’m channeling my skills and experiences into helping individuals, organizations, and coalitions shape a more inclusive and participatory future. My work is grounded in the belief that everyone has the power to create change when given the tools and opportunities to do so.

I hold a PhD in Public Affairs with a specialization in Community Development from Rutgers University (2016) and a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Nonprofit Management from Grand Valley State University (2006). I’m also a tenured professor with more than 15 years of experience teaching and training in classrooms, workshops, and community settings.

When I’m not working on democracy-building initiatives, you might find me exploring local parks, enjoying good coffee, or diving into a new book about community organizing or social movements.

Let’s connect and explore how we can work together to create a more just and equitable world.