ABOUT ASHLEY
Ashley moved to Oklahoma at the age of three and has proudly called it home ever since. After graduating from Tahlequah High School, she worked while pursuing a degree at Northeastern State University, balancing her studies with a job as a pharmacy technician at Reasor's Pharmacy. Later, with the support of an Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarship, Ashley earned a second bachelor's degree in medical laboratory sciences from UAMS. This opportunity allowed her to dedicate time to serving the Native community through work at W.W. Hastings Indian Hospital—a role that solidified her belief in the power of service and the importance of giving back. Growing up in Oklahoma taught Ashley the value of lifting others up and creating opportunities for all. These values have shaped both her career and volunteer work, inspiring Ashley to dedicate her life to improving the lives of those around her.
Her love for this community fuels her work and vision for a strong, thriving Cherokee Nation. For the past several years, Ashley has proudly served as the first Senior Director for Laboratory Sciences for the Cherokee Nation healthcare system. In this role, she worked hand-in-hand with leadership to navigate the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the community had access to the care and resources it needed. Today, as a Genomics Consultant with Oracle Health and a doctoral candidate in Healthcare Administration, Ashley continues to advocate for innovative solutions to improve lives and advance healthcare systems.
Ashley’s commitment to service goes beyond her professional career. For over a decade, she has rolled up her sleeves for causes that matter. As a member of the Beta Sigma Phi service sorority, she helped organize projects to support children, cancer patients, and shelters. Through Leadership Tahlequah, Ashley and her team raised nearly $75,000 to build an all-inclusive playground, ensuring every child in the community could play and thrive. Additionally, she performed in a theatrical production for six years to raise funds for the local women’s shelter.
Ashley has seen firsthand the transformative impact the Cherokee Nation can have on the lives of its citizens. She is deeply committed to ensuring every Cherokee citizen has access to essential opportunities and resources—from housing and healthcare to education, while fiercely protecting tribal sovereignty.
Ashley is running for office because she believes government should work for the people it serves. Her experiences as a healthcare leader, problem-solver, and advocate have prepared her to bring practical and thoughtful solutions to the table.
We deserve leaders who listen, who fight for equitable opportunities, and who ensure no one gets left behind. Together, we can invest in our schools, expand access to healthcare, and build thriving, inclusive neighborhoods where every family has a chance to succeed. This campaign isn’t about one person, it’s about all of us. It’s about building a brighter future for our families, our neighbors, and the generations to come. Together, we can build the future we all deserve!
PLATFORM
Healthcare
Ashley believes healthcare is a right, not a privilege. With years of experience in the Cherokee Nation health system, including as Senior Director of Laboratory Services during the COVID-19 pandemic, she’s seen the life-changing impact of quality care. Ashley is committed to expanding access, supporting initiatives like a North Tulsa clinic, and strengthening healthcare to meet future needs.
Education
Ashley believes education is the key to opportunity. She’s committed to expanding access to scholarships for all Cherokee citizens, whether for college or vocational training. Having earned four degrees, three funded by Cherokee Nation scholarships and one through an IHS scholarship, Ashley knows firsthand how education can change lives. She’s dedicated to ensuring every Cherokee citizen has the same chance to succeed.
Affordable Housing
Ashley believes everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. She’s committed to making sure Cherokee Nation’s housing programs help families grow, support citizens, and reflect what the community needs.
Tribal Sovereignty
Ashley Grant is committed to defending and strengthening Cherokee Nation’s sovereignty. She believes that self-governance is the foundation of a thriving Cherokee Nation and will fight to protect the Nation’s right to make decisions for its citizens without outside interference. Ashley supports policies that uphold tribal jurisdiction, expand economic opportunities, and preserve Cherokee culture and traditions. She will work to ensure the Cherokee Nation continues to control its own future, advocating for stronger partnerships, defending treaty rights, and resisting any attempts to undermine tribal authority.