Ashley Dargert, MPP

Experience

• 

  Loyola Marymount University

  Jan 2016 - Dec 2018

  Provided crucial support to the executive assistant and senior staff by conducting interviews, managing data entry, coordinating communications, and assisting with event planning and bookkeeping. Supported the Provost’s Office by managing correspondence, preparing meeting rooms, conducting Excel data entry and inventory assessments, and updating documents related to budgeting, event planning, and outreach.

  • Administrative Assistant

    Aug 2017 - Dec 2018

  • Front Desk Assistant

    Jan 2016 - Aug 2017
• 

  The Borgen Project

  Jun 2018 - Aug 2018

  Political Affairs Intern

  Advocated for anti-poverty legislation through congressional engagement, community presentations, and grassroots outreach, mobilizing constituents to support impactful policies.

• 

  Silicon Valley Leadership Group

  Mar 2019 - Sept 2019

  Policy Coordinator

  Conducted research and analysis to produce reports on displacement, housing policies, and transit-oriented development, informing advocacy strategies and stakeholder alignment on equitable housing solutions.

• 

  California Polytechnic State University- Safer

  Dec 2019 - Jun 2021

  Graduate Assistant

  •Garnered ~12% survey response rate by designing and implementing a communications plan, providing valuable insights for a gender-based violence report.•Coordinated training for ~30 volunteers, maintaining operational efficiency during a hiring freeze and fostering a supportive environment for staff and students.•Authored legislative reports on Title IX-related issues, enhancing awareness of victim/survivor rights among campus stakeholders.

• 

  County of Santa Clara

  Jun 2021 - Sept 2021

  Office of the County Executive Fellow

  •Drafted a policy to establish a preference program for small and local enterprises, fostering equity in county contracting and increasing access for underrepresented businesses.•Conducted comparative analysis across 18 jurisdictions to identify best practices and ensure feasibility, enhancing the county's competitive positioning.•Informed policy recommendations through interviews with staff and evaluation of local demographic data, supporting data-driven decision-making.

• 

  Cindy Chavez for Mayor

  Mar 2022 - Jun 2022

  Digital Outreach Coordinator

  •Galvanized support for the candidate by requesting meetings with over 150 neighborhood associations and school groups, texting ~1,200 citizens, and drafting emails and social posts.•Researched and analyzed competitors’ fundraising data over a ~6-month period.

• 

  Office of CA State Senator Josh Becker

  Sept 2022 - Dec 2022

  Policy Researcher

  Provided legislative recommendations related to analysis of County ordinances, ~40 municipal ballot measures, and ~30 state bills, shaping policy strategies and enhancing community impact on issues like climate, finance and governance, and public safety.

• 

  SWAY Enterprises, LLC | Ex California Controller Steve Westly

  Oct 2022 - Aug 2023

  Op-Ed Writer

  Authored and edited five public policy opinion pieces on topics like clean energy, teacher retention and election challenges, increasing awareness of critical issues, and engaging diverse audiences to inspire action.

• 

  County of Santa Clara

  Oct 2022 - now

  Policy Analyst for Board of Supervisors •Led internal and federal compliance improvement evaluations and drafted a state level policy proposal, synthesizing data and stakeholder input to drive executive-level operational decisions.•Ensured timely compliance for 10+ contracts weekly by implementing database management solutions and interdepartmental collaboration, reducing risks of non-compliance.

  • Policy Analyst

    Aug 2023 - now

  • Management Analyst

    Oct 2022 - Aug 2023