Ashley Fairbanks

Ashley Fairbanks is an Anishinaabekwe from the White Earth Nation. She grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. Ashley has over 15 years of experience doing digital strategy, design, art direction and messaging work. She is also an artist, organizer, and writer. Ashley went to college at the University of Minnesota, where she studied American Indian Studies with a focus on Anishinaabemowin, and Political Science. A museum fellowship after college changed her path, and started her career developing and designing museum exhibitions. She learned so much from the museum world, mostly about how stories can engage people and shift their thinking. While working in museums, Ashley was also working for political candidates. Eventually, she was called back to work in the political world and then into the halls of government. She has done communications, design and social media on municipal, gubernatorial, senatorial, and presidential campaigns. She has also started an Indigenous farmer’s market, opened pop-up museums and interactive art installations, and helped create a political wing of a hip-hop label. It’s been a crazy journey. For five years, Ashley has worked as the communications and creative director for 100%, an organization working to shape a just, sustainable, and fossil free future for Minnesota. She also works with clients across the country to help them create brands and tell stories that make real impact. Ashley lives in downtown San Antonio with her husband, 13 year old daughter, and a 13 lb. scruffy white dog, Waffles. When she isn't working or writing, she loves to swim, bake bread, and read everything from economic theory to silly romance novels.