Dr. Ashley Gibson Barnett is a community advocate, legal scholar, philanthropist, and entrepreneur dedicated to advancing the arts, education, and cultural engagement across Florida. She earned her B.S. in Economics from Florida Southern College, then pursued her legal education at Emory University School of Law, where she completed her Juris Doctor, a Master of Laws in Law and Religion, and a Doctor of Juridical Science. Her professional background spans private equity and nonprofit development.

Dr. Barnett has a long record of public service and civic leadership. The Governor appointed her to the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the Senate President appointed her to the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking Board of Directors. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of Florida Southern College.

She dedicates much of her time and passion to championing the arts and education, and to preparing young women for leadership, community advocacy, and scholarship. That commitment carries through her board service, with ZooTampa at Lowry Park,the Florida’s Children’s Museum, and the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, as well as her involvement with the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the Miss Florida Organization, in addition to several other boards and organizations.

Together with her husband, Nicholas, she leads the Nicholas and Ashley Barnett Foundation at GiveWell Community Foundation. The family foundation centers its giving on strengthening families and communities, with a particular focus on natural conservation and the arts. Dr. Barnett resides in Lakeland with her family.

“It is a privilege to be entrusted with a term on the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, a Commission whose mission touches so much of the work I already care about, from expanding opportunity for women across our state to recognizing the contributions they have made to their communities. I look forward to working alongside its members toward meaningful outcomes for Florida’s women and families. It is an honor to serve our state in this capacity.”