First-generation college graduate and former Good Reason Houston COO to lead college access nonprofit serving 3,000+ Houston Students
Ashley Cash as Chief Executive Officer
HOUSTON (September 8, 2025) – EMERGE, a leading college access organization serving 3,000+ students across Houston, has appointed Ashley Cash as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Cash brings more than 15 years of experience in education, organizational development, and social impact to the role, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Good Reason Houston, an education nonprofit that drives systemic change in public schools to ensure every student has access to a high-quality education. In this role, she was instrumental in the organization’s evolution from startup to trusted anchor institution. She has dedicated her career to expanding educational opportunities for low-income students and strengthening the organizations that serve them.
“Having walked this path from first-generation college student myself, I understand both the barriers our students face and their incredible potential to become the next generation of civic and professional leaders,” said Cash. “EMERGE’s comprehensive model — spanning college access, career exposure, and college success — is building Houston’s future leadership pipeline. I’m excited to strengthen this approach while exploring how we can serve even more students and amplify their impact in our community.”
Cash succeeds Interim CEO Doreen Stoller and joins EMERGE at a pivotal moment as the organization focuses on deepening its impact in Houston-area school districts while exploring sustainable models for growth. “Ashley brings exactly the combination of strategic vision and operational expertise EMERGE needs at this moment,” said Louise Wiggins, EMERGE Board President. “Her track record of building and scaling mission-driven organizations, combined with her personal connection to our students’ experiences, makes her the ideal leader to guide EMERGE forward.”
Before joining Good Reason Houston, Cash held development and partnerships positions at Silicon Valley Community Foundation, where she developed new revenue strategies and managed key institutional relationships, and at New Schools for Baton Rouge, where she helped secure foundational funding for the organization’s launch and growth. Throughout her career, she has focused on student success, organizational strategy, and systems-level change in education. She began her career as a Teach For America corps member in New Orleans and earned a Master of Education from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania.
About EMERGE
EMERGE empowers and equips high-achieving students from low-income communities to apply to, attend, and graduate from the nation’s top colleges and universities. Since 2010, EMERGE has served more than 6,000 students and alumni across Houston. In 2024, 97% of EMERGE students matriculated to four-year institutions—many to top-ranked universities—and EMERGE alumni graduate at five times the national average for students in their demographic. With over 1,300 alumni and a 15-year track record of success, EMERGE is building a diverse and talented leadership pipeline for Houston and beyond. Learn more at EMERGEScholars.org.