Ashley Barnett Gaudiano, JD

Experience

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  Office of State Senator Heather Steans

  Jan 2009 - Jan 2009

  Legal Intern

  • Drafted responses to constituents letters and concerns• Researched and prepared memorandum on subjects including domestic violence, child support, housing and ethics reform• Interacted with State government offices

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  Illinois Attorney General's Office

  Aug 2009 - Dec 2009

  Law Clerk, Environmental Bureau

  • Conducted legal research and drafted memoranda on environmental issues• Placed calls to various government agencies regarding environmental regulation violations• Drafted responses to citizen complaint letters

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  Cook County Public Defender's Office

  Dec 2009 - May 2010

  Law Clerk, Legal Resources Division

  • Reviewed and analyzed case files• Synthesized information from multiple cases to generate abstracts• Compiled questions and interviewed witnesses

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  United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of Illinois

  Jun 2010 - Aug 2010

  Law Clerk

  • Conducted legal research and drafted memorandums for multiple attorneys • Utilized a Law Student License to assist in prosecuting cases• Worked as an individual and as a collaborative member of a team with colleagues to complete supervisor requests

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  United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois

  Aug 2010 - Dec 2010

  Judicial Extern

  • Utilized online research databases to gather case law• Compiled law and factual analysis into memoranda and legal opinion documents• Received tasks from supervisors and conducted work in an individual capacity

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  Wholesome Wave

  Jan 2011 - Jan 2015

  Senior Manager, Communications and Public Outreach

  Managed and implemented the organization's communications, public relations, marketing and brand strategy; developed and fostered corporate partnerships and cultivated relationships with key stakeholders.Developed a communications strategy to elevate the profile of the organization and its local program partners among key policy and funding stakeholders. This included putting together a comprehensive portfolio of communications assets, overhauling and building a new website, overseeing creation of mission video, developing key collateral (factsheets, reports, brochures, postcards, etc.), building a story gathering model to be utilized with partner organizations across the country, developing an independent social media strategy, and launching a regional grassroots campaign.Oversaw a joint branding effort of a newly created program with an ally organization; worked on initial phases of a rebranding initiative for Wholesome WAve in order to advance the organization’s strategic growth and policy goals. Managed day-to-day communications functions within the organization, including media outreach initiatives, social media, creating print and digital materials to be used with stakeholders.Executed campaigns in collaboration with corporate partners and third party agencies to generate significant paid and earned media, social media impressions, and brand awareness. Show less

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  Horizon Communications Group, LLC

  Jan 2016 - now

  Principal

  Provide communication, fundraising, advocacy, and campaign strategy and services to companies and individuals with a mission to do good, including nonprofits, political campaigns, and mission-aligned businesses.

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  Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants

  Jun 2019 - Oct 2021

  Director Of External Affairs

  Oversees development, communications and marketing, advocacy, and strategic partnerships efforts. Plays a key role in maintaining CIRI’s brand and visibility across the state and supporting the President and Board in all strategic agency initiatives. Leads private fundraising efforts, including individual donor cultivation and stewardship activities, grant management, corporate giving, events, and foundation relations. Strengthens and supports strategic partnerships (revenue and non-revenue generating), provides sound leadership on events, community collaborations, volunteer management, and campaign planning. Diversifies and strengthens local, state, and federal government relations and advocacy efforts. Collaborates on joint-Board of Directors and Leadership team committees and task forces – Equity & Diversity, Communications, Development, COVID-19 Show less

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  United Way of Coastal and Western CT

  Oct 2021 - now

  Lead a dedicated team to drive strategic impact through Fundraising, Marketing, Strategic Partnerships, Advocacy, Direct Service Programs, and Philanthropic Investments. Committed to creating sustainable, community-driven solutions, I work collaboratively with an incredible team and network of partners to address critical needs and advance equity and economic stability for low-to-moderate-income households across Connecticut. Lead a dynamic team dedicated to community and provide strategic management of the organization’s efforts in advocacy, direct services, philanthropic investments, and strategic partnerships to create sustainable, community-driven solutions that promote a more equitable and thriving community. Provides strategic direction and management of organization's development, communications and marketing, advocacy, and strategic partnerships initiatives.

  • Chief Operating Officer

    Nov 2024 - now

  • Senior Vice President, Community Impact

    Jul 2023 - Oct 2024

  • Vice President of Resource Development & Marketing

    Oct 2021 - Jul 2023