By Sarah Appel, CAHNRS Academic Programs
When Ashley Wright came to WSU, she brought a determination to use her passion for clothing and design to make a real change in the clothing industry.
That commitment led to Ashley receiving the 2019 Family and Consumer Scientist of the Year award at this year’s CAHNRS Honors, an award that is very close to Ashley’s heart.
The senior Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles (AMDT) student from Concord, Calif. overcame many obstacles, which showcases her commitment not only to her education and passion, but to her family as well.
“I started getting involved with CAHNRS after my dad passed away the summer before sophomore year,” Ashley said. “He was a huge part of what inspired my interest in sustainability, and receiving this award would make him very proud.”
He would also be incredibly proud of her for all the hard work she has put in and all of her other accomplishments during her four years in Pullman.
While at WSU, Ashley has invested in her future and family not only through degree in AMDT, but her participation in activities as well. A student ambassadorship with CottonWorks, an International Center Marketing internship, and acting as AMDT treasurer as well as a job with the Bookie has kept Ashley busy. But is has all helped her grow into the student she is today.
Aside from these activities, Ashley has also been an academic leader with WSU Innovation Corps (I-Corp); an organization that strives to move “academic research to the marketplace.” Ashley used the information she got from researching how to take waste from recycled cotton and use it for regenerated fibers for WSU I-Corp.
She presented her research at the International Textile and Apparel Association’s annual conference and the annual Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA) where she was awarded the Gray Award in Applied Sciences.
Ashley plans to attend the University of Oregon for their Sports Product Management Program. She hopes to make a difference with this program and pursue a career with a sustainably focused sportswear company.
To learn more about CAHNRS Honors, visit https://cahnrs.wsu.edu/honors/.