ESPN associate producer Ashley Colley will serve a third consecutive term as the Association for Women in Sports Media's president, beginning on Aug. 1, spanning one year. Colley joined AWSM in 2013 and has served in various leadership roles before becoming the president – two as a vice president of digital, one as digital coordinator and one as membership coordinator. The Connecticut-based producer/editor has been with ESPN for six years. Colley currently works on ESPN's NFL Live after joining the group in August 2020 and recently earned a Sports Emmy Award for Studio Daily Show as a part of the SportsCenter team. The Missouri native is a graduate of the University of Missouri — serving as a co-founder of the school's AWSM student chapter and leading it to Chapter of the Year honors in 2015.
On why she is running again: “AWSM has been a huge part of my career since the very beginning and I want to be able to provide that connection for others. I am constantly thankful for the valuable source of motivation, strength and support this group gives me and one another. During the past few years, I have really learned how important a seat at the table is not only for ourselves but for others around us. Our success is not just based on how far we climb or what we accomplish personally, but also those we help to achieve their goals. Women are still having to fight for opportunities and equality in this space, but it is so important to remember our voices matter and we are making a difference daily. I am inspired by how many of our members I see uplifting each other in times of need and celebrating each other's success. Empowered women empower women!"
Goals for the organization: “My biggest goal for this coming year is focusing on how we can help the organization grow while also pushing the number of spaces in the sports world to grow with women. So many people simply still don't know about AWSM and all the resources we provide. Whether it's our AWSM Champions mentorship, our paid summer internships for our AWSM Scholars, our networking opportunities through our online/regional events and convention, our job board and more, I want women to know these all exist and to be able to take full advantage of them. There are so many times I am mentioning AWSM for the first time to people and I want the word to spread that our organization is open to both women and men who support women in the sports media. We have an exciting new way to help spread that message planned, so stay tuned!"
AWSM chair Iliana Limón Romero will remain in her position as well after being approved by the AWSM board in 2020. Limón Romero is the deputy sports editor at the Los Angeles Times and in addition to her duties for AWSM, serves as a co-chair for the NAHJ sports task force.
Interested in volunteering with AWSM’s board? Email awsmboard@gmail.com for details or to express interest.
