Ethan Ashley

Meet Ethan Ashley, a passionate attorney and elected official, and a visionary leader as the Co-CEO and Co-Founder of School Board Partners, committed to transforming the educational landscape for students and their families to establish equitable systems. With a remarkable career spanning policy, advocacy, and governmental affairs, Ethan has traversed the corridors of Capitol Hill and held pivotal roles at esteemed institutions such as the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, the Urban League of Louisiana, the ADL, and the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs.

During his tenure as Board President of the Orleans Parish School Board, Ethan faced challenges head-on, leaving an indelible mark. In the wake of George Floyd's tragic murder, he spearheaded a monumental effort to rename 31 schools tied to former slave owners, symbolizing an unwavering commitment to racial reckoning. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ethan's leadership ensured the district's academic performance remained resilient, with a substantial $5,000,000 investment in PPE and technology, providing essential resources to every NOLA-PS student.

Ethan's influence extends nationally as he offers executive coaching for school board members through programs like DFER’s Leaders of Color and RISE INDY. He has earned recognition as a 2023 NewDeal Fellow, 2019 Turman National Security Political Fellow, and former W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Fellow, solidifying his status as a respected political and advocacy leader. Serving as the District 2 Representative and immediate past President of the Orleans Parish School Board, he played a pivotal role in passing a historic racial equity audit, led a Superintendent Search, helped schools from the Recovery School District and Orleans Parish School Board unify post-state takeover and steered budget and policy changes to enhance student outcomes, experiences, and environments, including the wages of the lowest paid workers in the school district to $15 an hour- becoming the first governmental agency to do so in New Orleans and passing a historic $21 million annual Early Childhood Education millage.

As an elected district D member for the Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee, Ethan is a powerful voice representing the Democratic Party in New Orleans. However, his impact extends far beyond politics. He serves as a board member of the National Juvenile Justice Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming youth justice systems across the United States. Additionally, Ethan contributes his expertise to the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI) and the Institute of Mental Hygiene (IMH), furthering the causes of community development and optimal mental health for children and families in New Orleans.

Ethan's dedication to community development is further evident through his investment companies, JE Howard Ventures and BEAK Industries. These ventures underscore his commitment to fostering community development and access, ensuring that underrepresented families and businesses are supported.

Educated at Howard University, Ethan achieved remarkable milestones, earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Juris Doctor degree by the age of 22. Ethan is happily married to Arielle McConduit, and together, they are raising three remarkable children—Crew, Jace, and Sage. He is an active member of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, the Louisiana Bar Association, and Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc.

Beyond the accolades and achievements, Ethan Ashley is a fervent advocate for racial equity, youth justice, and civil rights. His narrative is one of resilience, unwavering leadership, and an enduring dedication to creating a brighter and more equitable future for all.