Ashley Drake (she/her) is a Senior Director on the Research & Evaluation team at Third Plateau. With deep expertise in qualitative and mixed-methods research, Ashley uses her interdisciplinary skillset to support projects like the Rippel Foundation ReThink Health Initiative and Covered California. Her strengths span the full range of functions that are essential for this work.

Ashley is a trained anthropologist with a specialization in the areas of human development and organizational culture. She holds a Ph.D. and master’s in Comparative Human Development from the University of Chicago and a B.A. in Psychology and Anthropology from Bucknell University. Over the past 10+ years, she has worked with diverse populations around the world, directing research and evaluation projects on science education, environmental policy, mental health and wellbeing, and military and veteran concerns.

Ashley currently resides in Northern Michigan and enjoys supporting her local community through her work as a board member for the Grand Traverse Conservation District. In her spare time, she can be found hiking, kayaking, and exploring the natural beauty of the region with her family.