Ashley Books joined the Energy Department in 2021 as a digital communication specialist in the Office of Public Affairs. In this role, she focuses on sharing the stories of the innovative work being done at the agency and the positive impact this has on the American people.
Previously, Ashley served as a Peace Corps volunteer in China where she taught English at the Chengdu University of Information Technology. As an instructor, she worked with students to develop their listening and speaking skills, as well as facilitated opportunities for them to learn more about America's history and culture.
Ashley also spent four years as a reporter in Pennsylvania with the USA Today Network covering a variety of topics, such as socio-economic inequality, LQBTQIA+ issues, health care, crime, education and breaking news.
In addition to her own media outlet, her work has appeared in the Associated Press and other local newspapers, and several of her interactive graphics and videos have been recognized in the Pennsylvania Associated Press Managing Editors Awards and the Pennsylvania Keystone Press Awards.
Ashley graduated summa cum laude from Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor’s in English literature and journalism. She is currently pursuing a master's in International Development at American University in Washington, D.C.