My name is Ashley Nettles. I was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia where I began my dance journey. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts, Dance, and Music with a dance emphasis from CSU, Los Angeles. I completed Single-Subject Teaching Credential coursework for Physical Education with a dance emphasis at CSU, Long Beach. I then received my Master’s Degree in Social and Cultural Analysis of Education from CSU, Long Beach. Over that twelve year span, I was a dance educator for a variety of dance studios in both Orange and Los Angeles counties. In my experience, I came to understand the importance of dance education in the lives of both youth and adults, and aimed to help support organizations that encourage the growth and development of dance education. I am currently cultivating that through my business Urban Education Collective which will be a community centered afterschool program that utilizes cultured dance instruction, recreation, and educational resources as foundational tools for building and reaffirming positive identities and mental health in urban youth as they develop into young adults.