As I step into my penultimate role on the Ashley Hall Alumnae Board after many years of service, I find myself reflecting on what it means to be a part of the Ashley Hall community, a fellowship that dates back more than a century. Like my own relationship with Ashley Hall—as a student in each subsequent division, then alumna, then Young Alumnae Council member, then Alumnae Board member and eventually President, and now parent to my own Ashley Hall student—this community has evolved over time to respond to external and internal dynamics, always striving to educate girls to become critical participants and leaders in their own unique and ever-expanding communities. What I value most about Ashley Hall is its exceptional ability to teach girls to curate—with firm guidance where needed—their own education, which, in turn, gives them confidence to forge their own paths in an ever-changing and ever-challenging society.

I hope that all members of this community will take the opportunity to participate in and take advantage of this truly impressive network of women. Challenge those of us in leadership roles and those within your immediate Ashley Hall circles to explore how this community can better serve our members and how these members can better serve the greater Ashley Hall community. In an era where women are equipped to make more decisions for themselves and their families than ever, let’s continue to mobilize our shared experiences into valuable, multi-layered, and multi-generational relationships. I look forward to learning from all of you and continuing to better myself and my communities through my relationship with this truly incredible school. 

Erin Finch Stevens '01 

Alumnae Association Board President