Ashley Dickson Oso
What makes Ashley Wildly Capable?
With over 13 years of experience in community development, Ashley has led numerous revitalization initiatives focused on empowering Oklahoma neighborhoods and promoting sustainable change. Currently, her work centers on advancing equity in philanthropy and community development and fostering collaboration to create better outcomes for Oklahoma residents.” MAURIANNA ADAMS
What makes you feel proud?
I’m proud when I can utilize the wisdom and insights my mentors have invested in me to create positive change in our society. Dealing with change and loss early on, I quickly learned that becoming a problem solver and building resilience was my superpower. I believe everyone has value, and I love uncovering solutions to complex problems – seeing all scenarios play out, identifying blind spots, and solving them. Great leaders know how to choose great teams, and I understand that I don’t have all the answers. I seek out and value people with different perspectives and life experiences to strengthen our work. To effect positive change, you also need to balance love with power. One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. says, “Power without love is abusive and reckless. But love without power is sentimental and anemic.” I strive to balance both in my work and empower others to do the same.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Everyone has pressure, and life’s not fair.” It sounds odd, but understanding this made life easier for me. It helped me navigate challenges with grace, realizing I’m not special and deserve no more than my neighbor. Gratitude has become the best fuel for my professional and personal acceleration.
What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?
Inequity. Poverty is the worst form of violence, and we see a lot of it in every quadrant of OKC. Poverty means unmet needs, and it exists everywhere. I want to find solutions to provide access to what everyone needs to thrive. Inspired by the women’s suffrage movement’s idea that everyone deserves “bread and roses,” I believe everyone should have access to both necessities and amenities for their best quality of life.
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
The biggest obstacle has been overcoming self-doubt and seeing myself as God and others see me. Many in my generation struggle with imposter syndrome, the feeling that we’re not good enough to be where we are. Overcoming this daily and choosing to be grateful for my opportunities is my driving force.
