1LT Ashley Hansel, a native of Clearwater, FL, enlisted in the United States Army in 2013 and served at Fort Moore, GA as a Radiology Specialist (68P) until 2016. Shortly after completing Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and AIT at Joint Base San Antonio and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, she attended ROTC at Columbus State University, GA as a Green to Gold Cadet. Her undergraduate degree is in Sociology with a concentration in Applied Sociology. As a cadet, she completed an internship with the Juvenile Drug Court of Muscogee County, GA serving a population of young minority males in the judicial system. 1LT Hansel was commissioned into the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) in May 2018 as an All-Source Military Intelligence Officer.

1LT Hansel has served in various staff and leadership positions throughout her career. Upon commissioning, she was assigned to the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team in the NCNG where she served as a Platoon Leader. She then transferred to the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in the Florida NG where she served as the HHC Company XO, BDE Assistant S2, and Battle Captain of the Rear Detachment Tactical Operations Cell for Defender Europe. While serving in the ARNG, 1LT Hansel held a civilian job as a certified Senior Child Welfare Case Manager for Lutheran Services Florida. After serving four years in the ARNG component, 1LT Hansel was accepted into the Army Social Work Program where she completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work and obtained a certification in Military Behavioral Health. 1LT Hansel was then assigned to Winn Army Community Hospital at Fort Stewart, GA as a clinical intern where she is currently obtaining clinical hours for her credentialing license.

1LT Hansel attributes her career progression to having stellar mentors who provide guidance and encouragement. Since graduating high school, she has maintained a presence in various mentorship organizations. She is a community advocate and philanthropist who is passionate about service to others. Through the Golden Warrior Project, 1LT Hansel is committed to empowering underrepresented individuals by equipping them with the knowledge and resources necessary for success and growth in their future endeavours.