Ashton Giles selected for 2027 Kentucky Women in Education Leadership Cohort

Ashton Giles, Fulton County Elementary School Principal and   Fulton County Middle School Interim Principal, was recently named as one of 27 educators representing 19 school districts and two educational cooperatives for the 2027 Kentucky Women in Education Leadership (KWEL) cohort by the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA).
The new cohort brings together principals, assistant principals, teachers, counselors, district leaders and other education professionals who share a commitment to student success and strengthening leadership across Kentucky.
The KWEL initiative cultivates a strong community of women education leaders by promoting knowledge, confidence and equity through personal growth, mentorship and career development. Designed to support women across all levels of educational leadership, KWEL provides opportunities for connection, learning and professional advancement.
“These educators bring talent, experience and a deep commitment to the students and communities they serve,” said Dr. Rhonda Caldwell, KASA chief executive officer. “Through KWEL, they will build relationships that challenge and encourage them, strengthen their confidence and prepare them to take the next step in their leadership.”
Participants benefit from mentorship by executive-level leaders, meaningful professional learning experiences, and connections with a statewide network of peers who share a commitment to leadership excellence. Together, these opportunities equip participants to make an even greater impact within their schools, districts, and communities.
“Leadership grows when women have opportunities to learn from one another and put new ideas into practice,” said Dr. Kathy Fields, KASA director of leadership development. “KWEL combines that shared learning with mentorship and practical support, helping each participant build on her strengths and expand her impact.”
The 2027 KWEL cohort will be formally inducted during the KWEL Leadership Forum, scheduled for January27-28, 2027, at the Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington, Ky. The two-day event will bring together current and aspiring female leaders from across Kentucky for meaningful dialogue, inspiration, and professional growth.
Another leaders selected for the 2026 cohort include: Jenna Brown, Meade County Schools; Diana Cline, Bath County Schools; Teri Lynn Dandy, Elizabethtown Independent Schools, Amber Driver, Danville Independent Schools; Tiffany Felty, Carter County Schools; Lyndsay Fowler, LaRue County Schools; Jerrica Funkhouser, Danville Independent Schools; Sara Harris, Wayne County Schools; Holly Hibbard, Ed.D., Southeast South-Central Educational Cooperative; Chelsea Hill, Harrison County Schools; Kim Hinton, Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative; Brooke Knight, Warren County Schools; Richae T. Logan, Bardstown Independent Schools; Emily Marshall, Fleming County Schools; Kimberly Marshall, Harrison County Schools; Megan McAlister, Meade County Schools; Megan Radivonyk, Lyon County Schools; Kimberly Reibert, Bullitt County Schools; Lisa Rigazio, Bullitt County Schools; Amy Riley, Anderson County Schools; Tasha Seig, Paducah Independent Schools; Tiffany Smith, Fayette County Schools; Mallory Sterling, Simpson County Schools; Amanda Walker, Lyon County Schools; Elizabeth (Liz) Watkins, Bath County Schools; and Kelli Willett, Union County Schools.
KASA is the largest school administrator group in Kentucky, representing more than 3,300 education leaders from across the commonwealth. Formed in 1969, KASA connects education leaders to policymakers, legislators, and other interest groups and provides numerous benefits to Kentucky’s school administrators.