Marketing communication strategist working at the intersection of engaging storytelling and transformative public policy.
Meet HerAshley Northington is an award-winning marketing communication strategist, social policy leader, and entrepreneur. She aims to bridge the gap between public policy and strong communication in ways that transform data, behaviors, and perceptions into meaningful narratives that ultimately influence policy, programs, and partnerships.
Ashley is the founder and agency director at DENOR Brands + Public Relations. A champion of sharing stories that matter, Ashley is actively involved in public education and economic development initiatives that encourage success for students and prosperity for small business owners.
She is a sought-after trainer, facilitator, and speaker who readily shares her unique brand of insight on entrepreneurship, strategic planning, marketing communication and brand strategy, as well as economic inclusion and public education policy.
"I have worked with Ashley on several projects, both as a communications strategist and a social policy leader in the city. In both spaces, communication and policy, she is the epitome of visionary leadership. In the space of branding, Ashley's company, DENOR, co-creates a solution with her clients. In the nonprofit and government space, she leverages collaboration as a strategy to produce great outcomes. Lastly, she has a way of taking complex issues and deconstructing them so that they are accessible to all the people in the conversation. This is an art, especially when hosting conversations and projects around equity. I recommend her and her team without reservation and with joyful praise."
Fallon S. Wilson, PhD, Founder, Black in Tech Nashville and Research Director, Black Tech Mecca
"Ashley is a force of nature. She’s the right person to lead the charge if you need something done. She was appointed to lead Mayor Briley’s Minority Business Advisory Council, which wrote recommendations that quickly led to policy change. She’s politically savvy - effectively navigating the wants and needs of different groups to find common ground. She steps up and works hard. She’s who you want both in front of and behind the scenes. She can be the keynote speaker or the speech writer. She’s always over-prepared and ready to dig in. Nashville is a better place because of her."
Olivia Leow, Vice President of Member Value, Nashville Chamber of Commerce
"I couldn't say enough about Ashley Northington. She so eloquently takes very complex topics and publicly communicates them in a way that they can be understood and palatable for anyone under the sound of her voice; she is talented at establishing common ground and bridging conversation among very diverse groups of people; she brings such enthusiasm, personality, and passion to her work; she brings a sense of order to, what can often be sensitive discussions across a table and keeps a steady focus on the desired outcome; she is incredibly knowledgeable about so many areas of business, non-profit, government and political arenas. I have experienced Ashley's display of expertise in several capacities and she always shines."
Diane Michel, Keynote Speaker & Business Coach, Lady Like Leaders and Business Enchanted
"Ashley Northington is a change agent. Her sincere passion for addressing the needs of underserved communities coupled with her sharp wit and exceptional talent has helped change the conversation on such issues like diversity and inclusion. Ashley is a fellow marketer and friend. She is an influential voice in the song of this city."
Jacqueline Hayes, Chief Marketing Strategist + Principal, Crayons & Marketers
"Ashley is a longtime friend to the center. She has willingly and enthusiastically lent her skills and expertise to NBIC, teaching classes, offering social media support and branding guidance to NBIC and our clients."
Angela Crane Jones, Executive Director, Nashville Business Incubation Center
“I have gotten to know Ashley – first as a remarkable marketing and public relations professional, and later as an entrepreneur who is passionate about supporting other business owners .”
Jerval Watson, Business Specialist, Metro-Nashville Office of Women and Minority Business Assistance
“Ashley Northington is a firecracker. What does that mean? It means that she is always present, ready to perform, and sees the potential in all things great – and just at the right time, she can explode and make miracles happen.”
Cha Jones, President & Founder, ExPat Women of Color
“Ashley is exceptional at what she does! I am in the education market, and most people don’t understand how that niche works. Ashley was able to help me with several strategies as it relates to branding and growing my business. She was straightforward, strategic, and serious about her work."
Iyea Brandy, President, New Teacher Bootcamp
“Ashley Northington is a true thought leader in her industry. I think there are three things that cause her to stand out in a crowd of communication and business professionals: she is extremely thoughtful and incredibly thorough; she possesses a really strong attention to detail; and she employs a 100 percent No Dropped Balls policy – she always follows up and holds people accountable. Because she only takes on projects about which she is passionate, she will ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.”
Raymond Allmon, President & Founder, Boys Prep Catalyst
“Ashley has stuck out as a subject matter expert in that field for length of time that I have known her. She has shown herself to be a connector of industry experts, which is something I value highly. She is a PR genius, but she serves to be so much more in the business world. Lofty praises to Ashley for what she does and how she does it.”
Adrian Davis, President, Crown Davis Memberships
Ashley would love to speak at your next event. From conferences to small workshops, she can speak on a range of topics including small business development, minority business procurement, marketing communication strategy and more.
(615) 419 -1223