Persistence and Passion

An alumna with a love for helping others works as a legislative assistant for a fellow UCF graduate

Ashley Guinn, ’07 | Legislative Assistant for State Rep. Steve Crisafulli

By Lauren Whalley

Knight Life
After completing her associate’s degree at Eastern Florida State College, formally known as Brevard Community College, Ashley Guinn, ’07, transferred to the University of Central Florida to pursue her bachelor’s in health sciences.

“I’ve always had an interest in helping people, and I wanted to have that background in the health care field,” she says.

Ashley’s passion for helping others grew through her involvement in the Greek community, where she took on several leadership roles, including Panhellenic Delegate and, eventually, president of the Chi Omega sorority. To this day, Ashley takes pride in the opportunities her Chi Omega presidency has given her.

Ashley had a very special UCF experience. Not only did she attend the first on-campus football game at Bright House Networks Stadium, but she was also part of the first graduating class in the CFE Arena. To have the opportunity to watch the development of the stadium and the arena as a student allowed her to see how the school was growing.

Her advice to current UCF students? “Have fun!” she says. “Keep up with academics, network through campus and the UCF community, and take full advantage of every opportunity that comes in front of you.”

A Young Knight, A Rising Star
After graduating from UCF, Ashley served as an admissions advisor for Colorado Technical University and Le Cordon Bleu for two years, where she learned how to actively listen and speak with people who came from various backgrounds — a skill that Ashley used quite often as a campaign assistant in her next job at Spearman Management. Here, Ashley assisted with multiple campaigns, planned fundraising events, collected data and performed cold calls. While working on campaigns, Ashley was able to “learn the psychology behind how people think,” she says, giving her a better understanding as to what influences voters’ opinions.

In November 2012, Ashley became a legislative assistant for State Representative and fellow UCF graduate, Steve Crisafulli. Between managing schedules, helping constituents, scheduling appointments and researching legislative issues, it’s never a boring day for Ashley.

“My day always varies, especially with the legislative session quickly approaching!” she says.

When Ashley is not in the office, she spends her time volunteering with the Junior League of South Brevard, an organization that Ashley describes as “women helping women,” who are committed to promoting volunteerism in the community and developing leadership potential.

Keeping the UCF Spirit
Being able to work in an environment with other UCF Knights is one of the most unique and exciting parts of Ashley’s job. She says working for a fellow UCF graduate “is an awesome experience. We even have a UCF intern working in the office too. It’s nice to have that kind of camaraderie with your co-workers.” And, it’s not just her fellow Knights that Ashley sees around the office; she has a picture of Knightro at her desk to always keep the UCF spirit around!

Q&A

Q. If you could have front row seats to any concert, which would you choose?
A. Zach Brown Band or Britney Spears!

Q. If you could witness any event past, present, or future, what would it be?
A. The signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Q. What is your favorite holiday, and why?
A. Christmas, because everyone stops for a day or two and reflects on family and friends.