Baltimore Unity Hall has announced that Ashley “Ash” Esposito will be their new executive director.
Esposito has more than a decade of experience in nonprofit management, human services, advocacy, and fundraising. She has previously served as executive director of Baltimore Renters United and spent many years working at the Maryland Department of Human Services. Her three years on the board of the Baltimore Abortion Fund concentrated on development and fundraising.
She is a recipient of the Weaver Award, a member of the Weave Speakers Bureau, and is an Ashé Leadership Fellow. She is also an elected member of the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners.
“The Executive Board members of Baltimore Unity Hall were immediately struck by Ash’s enthusiasm for our mission in providing creative, safe spaces to promote collaboration in community arts, education, and job training,” said Nancy Hooff, Baltimore Unity Hall Board of Directors President. “The diverse experience, expertise, and leadership skills that Ash brings to this position will be essential to our success in providing a sustainable community hub, which serves as an incubator for ideas, action, and creative realization. We are so grateful for her commitment to the mission and to the community, and look forward to a bright future!”
Baltimore Unity Hall serves as a hub in Central West Baltimore, aiming to transform lives in this historically redlined neighborhood by promoting unity through community arts, education, and job training. The nonprofit aims to empower people, address social justice issues, and create a safe, healthy, and harmonious future for all. It offers accessible services to the surrounding communities via subsidized office spaces, event rentals, an arts incubator program, and more.
Esposito is herself an accomplished artist, photographer, and web designer who operates under the artistic moniker “Little Box of Random.” Her work has been shown at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum and Motor House. Through her personal practice, she has supported myriad social impact organizations, among them Good Trouble Church, the Black Arts District, A Revolutionary Summer, beGirlWorld, Audacity Group, and SadBrunch.
“Years ago, I attended the No Boundaries Coalition Block Party. Later, I returned as photographer for the Womxn of the World Poetry Slam. Since then, I’ve experienced many incredible artistic, cultural, and community events at Baltimore Unity Hall,” Esposito said. “To me, it’s much more than an event space; it exemplifies the potential of community stakeholders and developers collaborating to transform blighted areas into high-quality, beautiful community hubs. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to bring my creativity, development, and fundraising experience to Baltimore Unity Hall.”
