Empowering Corporate Success and Shaping Policy for Fortune 500 Companies!
In the realms of art and fashion, where creativity and innovation intertwine, there stands a trailblazer who is redefining the landscape with her visionary leadership. This remarkable individual not only leaves an indelible mark on the industry through her artistry but also advocates for policy changes and the empowerment of women. With an unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and breaking barriers, she is transforming the art and fashion worlds, one bold step at a time.
Meet Ashley Davis, a visionary business leader and esteemed U.S. public policy expert, who is not only making waves in the world of government affairs but also raising the awareness of women in art and fashion on a global scale.
As the Founder and driving force behind West Front Strategies (WFS), Ashley has taken her start-up to new heights, transforming it into a multimillion-dollar company. Today, WFS stands tall as a renowned Washington, DC, government affairs firm, representing Fortune 500 companies across diverse industries, including healthcare, energy, homeland security, education, international trade, and government contracts. Her impressive achievements have earned her a place among Washingtonian Magazine’s 500 Most Influential People Shaping Policy.
Ashley’s remarkable journey in the political landscape is marked by her ability to collaborate effectively with members of both major political parties, allowing her WFS clients to achieve their strategic policy and corporate objectives with precision and success.
At the heart of Ashley’s advocacy lies her passion for empowering women in art and fashion. She firmly believes in the power of creative expression to break barriers and foster change. Through her initiatives, Ashley is bringing the work of talented female artists and designers to the forefront, giving them a platform to shine on the global stage.
Her influence extends to the highest levels of government, where she works closely with and represents clients before key U.S. House and Senate Committees on Energy and Commerce, Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Ways and Means, and Finance. Her pivotal role in the passage of recent healthcare bills in Congress showcases her expertise and dedication to driving meaningful change.
Before founding WFS, Ashley honed her skills and knowledge as a managing principal at Blank Rome LLP, where she gained invaluable insights into how businesses operate, setting the stage for her future success.
Join us as we celebrate Ashley Davis, a trailblazer who is shaping policy, making an impact in the world of business and politics, and empowering women in the art and fashion domains!
From the White House to Global Leadership
Ashley’s remarkable career spans various prestigious roles, including working under the first Director of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge, and serving as the Deputy Director of Management and Administration in the White House. Her involvement in significant events like the Republican National Convention, Bush-Cheney 2000, and the Florida recount showcased her expertise in political affairs.
Education-wise, Ashley boasts an impressive array of degrees, including a Master of International Business from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, a Masters of International Business from ESADE Business School (Spain), and a Corporate International Masters Business-A Degree from FGV EBAPE School (Brazil). Her commitment to education is evident in her role as a Member of the Board of Trustees at Westminster College.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ashley actively contributes to the Office of U.S. Speaker Program at the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, as an expert speaker. She also sits on multiple non-profit and corporate Boards, including Turning Point Brands Inc., Vital Voices Global Partnership, the Women’s Democracy Network at the International Republican Institute, the Kennedy Center National Symphony Orchestra, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts. As a member of Women Corporate Directors, Ashley advocates for diversity and inclusion in leadership roles.
Her role as Co-CEO of the Belizean Grove further demonstrates her commitment to empowering women. Through this global network, Ashley curates purposeful meetings and experiences that facilitate collaborative partnerships among influential women. These gatherings focus on understanding complex global issues, sharing expertise, and finding innovative solutions.
Empowering Clients with Bipartisan Excellence
West Front Strategies (WFS), a boutique bipartisan consulting firm based in Washington, DC, stands out for its unique and creative approach to delivering successful outcomes for its clients. Comprising a collaborative and results-driven team with extensive experience in both Capitol Hill and the executive branch, WFS offers innovative solutions to navigate the intricacies of government affairs.
What sets WFS apart is not only its proven expertise but also its commitment to diversity and inclusion. As one of the few women-owned government affairs firms in Washington, DC, WFS brings a fresh and inclusive perspective to its work.
According to Ashley, the strength of WFS lies in its cohesive team. When clients hire WFS, they benefit from the collective knowledge and experience of the entire team. Each member of the team has served in senior roles in government, providing a deep understanding of government processes at all levels. This invaluable expertise enables WFS to deliver effective strategies and achieve tangible results for its clients.
With a focus on delivering out-of-the-box thinking, WFS is dedicated to helping its clients navigate the complexities of government affairs with confidence. Their commitment to excellence and bipartisan collaboration makes them a reliable partner for organizations seeking success in the political landscape of Washington, DC.
Embracing Leadership and Purpose
In her early career, Ashley learned the true value of hard work, a lesson that would shape her professional journey. Her second job, working in the Bush White House during the events of September 11, 2001, proved to be a defining moment for her. The experience taught her invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience, and the power of unity when working toward a common purpose.
Recalling those challenging days and months after the tragic attacks, Ashley and her team worked tirelessly, seven days a week. The intensity of the work was matched by their unwavering belief in their mission and the exceptional leadership that guided them. Together, they were dedicated to safeguarding the United States of America.
Throughout her career, Ashley had the privilege of learning from remarkable mentors and leaders who instilled in her a strong sense of purpose. Drawing from their guidance and her own drive, she took a bold step and ventured into entrepreneurship, creating her own business. The decision was fueled by a recognition of her talents and the desire to offer her unique contributions to the world.
Understandably, taking the leap into entrepreneurship involved some risk, but Ashley’s confidence and determination propelled her forward. Witnessing others successfully start their businesses further inspired her to pursue her own path.
Crucial to her success is the exceptional team she works with. Recognizing the value of collaboration and synergy, Ashley knew that partnering with like-minded individuals would be the key to achieving greatness. Their shared dedication and complementary skills have been instrumental in the success of her endeavors.
A Collaborative Force Driving Success for Clients
At West Front Strategies (WFS), collaboration and dedication are at the heart of their operations. Every team member wears multiple hats, ensuring that the office runs smoothly and all clients receive exceptional representation. Ashley emphasizes the strong bond within the team, where they readily support one another, from joint client pitches to tag-teaming meetings on Capitol Hill. This unity and hard work enable them to deliver outstanding results for their clients.
Despite facing challenges such as a weak economy and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, WFS has maintained remarkable year-over-year sales growth. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and success for clients earned them recognition from Bloomberg Government, which named WFS one of the top-performing lobbying firms of 2020 and 2021.
As WFS continues to expand and achieve new heights, Ashley envisions a future of continued growth and success. Expanding the team through hiring more staff is on the horizon, enabling them to support the increasing number of clients effectively.
Nurturing Success and Embracing Passions
Striking a harmonious balance between her thriving career and personal life, Ashley faces each new year with a readiness to embrace fresh challenges and opportunities. Her motivation stems from the early examples of excellence and leadership she witnessed in her career, which she has since adapted as her own guiding principles.
With a structured schedule, Ashley rises at 5 a.m. to seize the quiet morning hours. She efficiently manages emails, reads multiple newspapers, and hits the gym before her son wakes up, providing a calm and focused start to her day.
Her daily routine varies, often encompassing office preparations, meetings on Capitol Hill, and interactions with clients, partners, and government stakeholders across Washington, DC. In the evenings, Ashley and her husband take turns attending to their 13-year-old son’s needs, including homework and extracurricular activities.
During weekends, they travel together to support their son’s hockey or football games, cherishing family time. Ashley also dedicates time to her passions, such as women in fashion and the arts. She actively hosts events and champions the cause of supporting women in the arts throughout Washington, DC.
Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders
As a leader, Ashley’s personal mission is clear: to work diligently, create meaningful impacts, and serve as a mentor to aspiring female leaders. She understands the significance of investing in the next generation and fostering a supportive environment that enables women to flourish.
According to Ashley, it is the responsibility of her generation to uplift and guide the women coming up behind them. She strongly advocates for women’s mentoring, offering pipeline opportunities, and providing unwavering support. When approached for advice or a coffee meet-up, she encourages fellow leaders to say “Yes” and offer their assistance. For Ashley, paving the way for those who will follow is a vital aspect of leadership.
Her dedication to mentoring and supporting other women serves as an inspiration to women in various spheres. By nurturing a culture of empowerment and collaboration, Ashley aims to create a future where women leaders can thrive, succeed, and shatter barriers with confidence.
Through her actions and advocacy, Ashley exemplifies the power of women lifting each other up, ensuring that the next generation finds a clear path to success and fulfillment.
Empowering Corporate Success
Ashley takes great pride in her current professional achievements. She recognizes that her success has been the result of immense dedication and numerous sacrifices. To her, success means finding fulfillment in her career and having the opportunity to support her passions, including empowering women in politics and business, as well as promoting fashion and art. Additionally, she is a staunch advocate for women’s rights globally and is particularly passionate about encouraging more women to take on leadership roles on corporate boards. Ashley currently serves on multiple corporate boards and finds immense fulfillment in using her skills and experience to make a positive impact in this area. Her aspiration is to continue making a meaningful difference and empowering women in leadership positions.
