Ashley B. Carter was elected in 2016 as the At‐Large Representative for the DC State Board of Education.

Additionally, Ashley is the Director of Coalitions for Independent Women's Forum and Independent Women’s Voice, the preeminent organizations of women who promote free markets, limited government, and personal liberty. She was a 2016 Washington, DC fellow for National Review Institute and regularly speaks on issues affecting women in politics.

Prior to joining IWF, Ashley worked in political consulting and was involved with political campaigns at the national and state level including Mitt Romney for President, Ken Cuccinelli for Governor (VA), and Martha McSally for Congress (AZ). A native Marylander, Ashley cut her teeth in politics in the office of Congressman Roscoe G. Bartlett and worked for the Maryland General Assembly during the administration of Governor Bob Ehrlich. She also worked with state party counsels and leaders across the country at the Republican National Lawyers Association.

Ashley received her B.A in Government & Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park and holds a J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law. She also spent time studying at the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. Ashley is actively involved in the Washington, DC community. She currently volunteers with the Junior League of Washington, serves on the advisory council for the Washington Literacy Center, and promotes literacy development by working with several area nonprofits. 

An avid Nationals fan, Ashley loves to show her Natitude. 

In accepting the Betty Murphy Award, Ashley states:

"I am honored to be the recipient of this year's Betty Murphy award. As an elected official and nonprofit leader, I hope to inspire others to take initiative and become problem solvers in their own communities."