21 Under 21 Series: Ashton Brianna Martin

Hometown: Roxboro, NC

Major: Political Science; Minor: Philosophy

Currently serving as an Admissions Ambassador, as well as Student Body President for Student Government for the 2019-2020 school year, Ashton plans to continue her involvement with politics and social justice after graduation. As a member of the Sappony tribe based in the Piedmont of North Carolina and Virginia, Ashton has always aimed to create inclusive spaces in areas she is passionate about, such as an authentic and progressive. student government. She quotes the sacrifices of the women of her tribe so that her generation could continue to grow and learn as her inspiration.

How does your identity motivate your work?

“My culture is based a lot on service of the whole over the self. Hard work and sacrifice are somethings that have been ingrained in me my entire life, and that motivates me more than anything.”

“Everything I’ve done is towards the end of making Carolina a home for everyone. This place was not built for everyone, and we have never reckoned with that past. All I have wanted to do is make Carolina a place where everyone feels like they belong. ”