Star Journal

Nicolet College employee and disability advocate Ashley Mathy has been appointed by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers to a four-year term on the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.

She joins the 21-member board as a northern Wisconsin representative, advocating for meaningful and appropriate employment for individuals with disabilities.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to serve on the board,” Mathy said. “I firmly believe everyone with or without a disability deserve the opportunity to work in a community, contribute to its overall success, and make a difference in this world.”

In his appointment of Mathy, Gov. Evers wrote, “Your experience, knowledge, and dedication will be a true asset to my administration and a great benefit to the people of Wisconsin. I look forward to working with you to find innovative ways of delivering services and implementing positive change fort the citizens of our state.”

Mathy, 23, is a graduate of Nicolet’s Jump! Start program and has worked part time at the college for the past three years. She currently serves as an assistant for Sandy Bishop, the executive director for Economic and Community Development and Nicolet.

“We see the passion and determination Ashley brings to the workplace and in her advocacy work for people with disabilities,” Bishop said. “She does a fantastic job for our department and the college. It’s exciting to see her able to take her advocacy work to the state level. Her appointment is very well deserved.”

Mathy also works closely in her advocacy efforts with Katherine Garrison, community integration services manager for Headwaters, Inc., in Rhinelander.

“We are very proud of Ashley and it’s been an exciting journey for her,” Garrison said. “As long as I’ve known her she’s brought compassionate and focused energy to her work and I’m sure she will be a valued addition to the state board.”

The board’s mission is to help people with developmental disabilities become independent, productive, and included in all facets of community life. At least 60% of the membership is comprised of people with disabilities with the remaining members from various agencies and organizations that support the advancement of people with developmental disabilities.