One of Women to Women’s own, Ashley Nassar Weeks runs a digital marketing agency Nassar Creative + Soul in Greensboro. However instead of marketing, this week she shared her perspective on American politics.
Ashley is looking forward to voting in the 2020 Presidential election. With a passion for local politics and bettering her community, she holds degrees in Political Science and Computer Science.
Ashley is a first-generation United States citizen from Jacksonville, NC. Her father came to Oklahoma from Lebanon. He fought there during the civil war and joined the United States Marine Corps after immigrating.
She enjoys hearing stories of life in Lebanon as her father’s entire family still lives there. These stories shape Ashley’s passion for politics and appreciation for the United States’ democracy.
Compared to her family’s experiences in Lebanon, the current turbulence of American politics seems small. Ashley describes the government in Lebanon as Separtarian. Corruption runs high there along with protests, but unlike the US, authorities often use live ammunition, arrests and poison to deter protestors.
Recently Ashley’s ties to Lebanon have become even stronger. Beirut suffered from a catastrophic chemical explosion in early August, killing 172 people and injuring 6,000. The explosion also left 350,000 homeless due to the destruction. Naturally, Ashley’s family is deeply concerned about their family and other suffering in their country.
Due to inflation and COVID bank holding measures, necessary provisions are scarce, and difficult to attain. To help, Ashley has started a collection effort to secure and send needed provisions to the people of Beirut. Some of the most needed items are: baby formula, diapers, masks, feminine products and food. She is working to collect, organize, ship and distribute these supplies to affected individuals and families.
Ashley’s Lebanese roots and appreciation for American democracy has provided a different perspective than some going into the election. She hopes to spread the resources and optimism that she has gained as a United States citizen to Lebanon.
Please see the google form here to contribute.
Author: Carrie Little