Finding similarity from the beginning of their conversation Ashley Gurvitz and Christian Mayers both share a passion for the community and a desire to make it better. Quoting her mother Ashley said, “What we learn in the classroom is one thing but it’s another where we learn and teach lessons throughout the community.” She started giving back to the community, in the 3rd or 4th grade by collecting canned goods for those less fortunate.
As a leader Ashley’s goal is to always learn and listen and never assume that she knows what people need, she highlighted this as one of the best ways to see her team succeeding in the work that they accomplish.
Ashley’s view of success might look different to others as she expressed: “[Success is] when we are able to have projects whether it’s building houses or being able to bring new projects into the community… Success is when we have ribbon cuttings and it looks like everyone from the community is there and that we take pride in it, being more than just a new place in the community but also for years beyond years.”
Christian shared his goal to one day work for NASA, and Ashley highlighted the importance of community support and adults listening to help him achieve this goal.