The Cape & Islands United Way’s newest volunteer is Miss Cape Cod, Ashley Clark!
22-year-old Ashley, who is a product developer for The Black Dog and works out of their headquarters in Mashpee, wants to make a big impact in the community and feels that volunteering with the United Way is a great way to do just that.
Tell us a little bit about your job at The Black Dog?
I went to college at UMass Dartmouth and earned my degree in Fashion Design in the spring of 2023. I was contacted by a recruiter on LinkedIn and that is how I ended up at The Black Dog. As a product developer I communicate with designers and our vendors about trends and our line. From the colors and logos to buttons, trims and zippers, I make sure that everything is on-brand with the garments.
How did you learn about the Cape & Islands United Way?
I met Jackie Barber (Community Outreach & Administration Manager, C&I United Way) who was one of the judges for the Miss Cape Cod pageant. She told me about all of the important work the organization does within the community. I felt it would be a great group to get involved with to share my Community Service Initiative (CSI).
What is your Community Service Initiative (CSI)?
My CSI is to help people understand the importance of voting - “Take a Stance, Make a Change; Educating our Community on the Importance of Voting.” I will be talking with everyone, from children to older adults, about their power to elicit change by using their voices and if they are of legal age, their votes.
What do you enjoy most about the Miss America Program?
I’m thankful to the Miss America program for giving me these connections in my surrounding communities. Miss America does a great job at raising scholarship money for so many young women while pushing the importance of volunteer service at our local, state and national levels.
What will you do as a volunteer for the Cape & Islands United Way?
I’m happy to help out in any way I can. I look forward to volunteering at the different events the organization has. Volunteering was instilled in me as a child and I hope my involvement it the CIUW will encourage others to do the same. I want to make a big impact in the community and I believe getting involved with this organization is a great way to do that.
What are your future goals?
I would love to open my own boutique clothing store someday. I would like to empower people to love what they’re wearing and be confident in their own skin.