Written by
Ashley Barton
Ashley Barton serves as Executive Vice, where she leads the Consumer Lifestyle and Multicultural divisions. With over 17 years of experience in communications, Ashley is known for building culturally relevant, insight-driven strategies that position brands at the center of conversation and ahead of emerging trends. She partners with clients to break through an increasingly fragmented media landscape, ensuring their narratives not only resonate, but lead. In her role, Ashley oversees integrated communications strategies that span earned media, influencer marketing, partnerships, and experiential activations. She plays a critical role in driving agency growth, leading new business development efforts, refining pitch strategies, and implementing streamlined processes that strengthen conversion and long-term client success. Ashley is also deeply invested in talent development, spearheading training programs across the agency that elevate strategic thinking, sharpen storytelling, and empower teams to operate as high-impact communications advisors. As head of 5W's Multicultural division, Ashley leads the agency's DE&I initiatives, advising brands on how to authentically engage diverse audiences while driving meaningful cultural impact. She works closely with leading media companies and brands that are championing equity and representation, ensuring their stories are told with both purpose and precision. Ashley also serves as the lead of 5W's Mosaic ERG, the agency's employee resource group dedicated to supporting people of color. In this role, she fosters community, drives internal programming, and champions initiatives that advance inclusivity and professional growth across the organization. She further extends her impact beyond the agency as a board member of Getting Out, Staying Out, supporting its mission to reduce recidivism and empower young people involved in the justice system. Her expertise in traditional media is complemented by her strength in building strategic brand partnerships, executing high-performing influencer programs, and producing large-scale, culturally relevant events.
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