Ashanta K. Gleason is a passionate civic engagement professional with a strong commitment to equity, empowerment, and community-centered work. As Lift’s Civic Engagement Program Manager, she brings a strategic lens to organizing, outreach, and coalition-building, creating meaningful opportunities for people to engage with and shape the systems that impact their lives. Her work is rooted in the belief that lasting change begins at the local level, and she is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in civic processes.

Ashanta has worked with several leading organizations in the civic and social justice space, including the NAACP, where she currently serves as a National Board Member. She has also held roles with Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, Black Voters Matter, E Pluribus Unum Fund, and Humanities Amped, focusing on grassroots organizing, community engagement, and leadership development. Her experience spans voter education campaigns, coalition work, youth civic engagement, and strategic program implementation, all grounded in deep community relationships and values-driven work.

Outside of work, Ashanta is a lifelong learner who finds joy in building relationships, exploring creative solutions, and supporting spaces that foster justice, learning, and growth. She brings curiosity, compassion, and a strong sense of purpose to every space she’s in.