Ashley "Ash" Esposito is the proud mother of a City Schools student and a Southwest Baltimore resident. Prior to joining the board, she was a student mentor, a community member on a principal selection panel, and worked on education legislation. Ash's primary focus is on children who fall through the cracks of the educational system, specifically those with high dropout rates or low graduation rates. 

“What I have seen broadly is that society, as a structure, just accepts that certain kids fall through the cracks - particularly foster care youth,” said Baltimore City Public Schools Commissioner Esposito.  “It is not ok to say that certain kids are going to just fall through the cracks.  We are working to create conditions that allow every student to be successful. I am really grateful to serve on the Board of Commissioners to help with these initiatives.”

Having had personal experience in the foster care system, learning disabilities, and a challenging education experience, Ash deeply understands the need for early intervention and addressing barriers to participation in the classroom. She is also very committed to civic engagement, vocational educational opportunities, pathways to tech, accessible arts education, and building community trust. She believes that part of that community trust-building will be directly aligned with improving the sustainability of the district’s infrastructure and facilities.    

Academically, Esposito holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Software Development and Security and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus. 

Professionally, Ash is a nonprofit leader and a multidisciplinary artist. She is a steering committee member for Local Progress, a member of the Education/Social Workforce Development Committee for the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs, a School Board Partner Fellow, and an Ashé Leaders Fellow with Big Picture Learning, advocating for equitable education systems. In her governance role, Ash focuses on equitable policy, community engagement, knowledge transfers, and staff retention. 

As a grassroots community organizer, she has worked in coalitions on educational equity, disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline, renters’ rights, served as the Ecosoc Committee Co-chair of Greater Baltimore DSA, reproductive justice and healthcare, and helping defeating Question H!