Hello Business and Community Partners!

My name is Ashlee Kocina Young and it is my privilege to serve as the new Administrator, Business and Community Partnerships with Fairfax County Public Schools. As the parent of an FCPS student, our family was drawn to this division because of its deep commitment to creating equitable and innovative learning environments. I see my role as a powerful opportunity to connect community resources and business partnerships directly to student success. 

With more than a decade of experience leading institutional partnerships, community engagement initiatives, and strategic improvement efforts across higher education and nonprofit settings, I bring a relationship-centered and data-informed approach to this role. Prior to joining FCPS, I served as Associate Director for Expert Guidance with FirstGen Forward (formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA and the Suder Foundation), where I supported more than 300 postsecondary institutions in translating strategy into successful initiatives, enhancing institutional capacity, and integrating sustainable accountability structures into continuous improvement processes.

A proud first-generation college graduate, I hold an M.Ed. in higher education administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska (Go Huskers!). I am currently completing my doctorate in Leadership Studies from the University of Nebraska, focusing on multicultural leadership perspectives and leadership development beyond college.

I am grateful to join the FCPS community and look forward to working alongside partners. Reflecting upon the power of partnership, a quote by Warren Buffet has always resonated: “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” When I consider the educators, mentors, and advisors who invested in me, it is an incredible reminder of the lasting impact of intentional and meaningful support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with ideas, questions, or opportunities to partner. I am excited for what we will build together.

Connect
Ashlee Kocina Young
Administrator, Business and Community Partnerships
akyoung@fcps.edu | FCPSPartnerships@fcps.edu
☏ mobile: 571.681.9244

Community Relations - The Experience and Engagement Office is excited to share the launch of a refined partnership structure designed to strengthen collaboration and create greater clarity for our community partners.

Over the years, the FCPS Ignite Partnerships have played a vital role in supporting students, schools, and the broader FCPS community. We are deeply grateful for the meaningful relationships built through Ignite and for the many organizations who have invested their time, expertise, and resources to help our students thrive. These partnerships remain valued and appreciated.

As our work continues to grow, we have taken time to thoughtfully evaluate how we structure and support partnerships across the division. The updated framework is intended to provide clearer pathways for engagement, streamline the entry process for new collaborators, and create greater opportunity for partnerships to grow and expand over time. Our goal is to make collaboration with FCPS more accessible, aligned, and mutually beneficial.

Over the coming months, existing Ignite Partnerships will be reviewed to ensure alignment with the updated structure and to confirm that the appropriate support is in place for each partner’s continued success. This process is not about replacing relationships, but about strengthening them and ensuring that every partnership has the clarity and foundation needed to thrive.

We look forward to continuing to build strong, innovative collaborations that support our students and community. Thank you to all of our partners - past, present, and future, for your commitment to making a difference in FCPS.

On Friday, February 13th, the love of theatre was alive and well at Dogwood Elementary! Both Angela Aldave, Director, Community Relations and myself were thrilled to attend a Stars on the Stage performance of Finding Nemo brought to life by Dogwood’s 3rd and 6th graders. The energy, excitement, and engagement of our students were truly inspiring, and the audience was captivated by their outstanding performance. The performers were fantastic, confident, enthusiastic, and incredibly proud of their work, inspiring all of us to just keep swimming.

This special program was made possible through the collaboration of the FCPS partner, the Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation, and the NextStop Theatre Company, ArtsFairfax, and the Shrivastava Family. Support for this program was provided through the NWFCU’s N.E.E.D.S. Project, an initiative designed to break down barriers, ignite dreams, and empower schools and organizations to address their students’ unmet needs. Taralyn Tharp Kohler, VP of the NWFCU Foundation said it best “...when we work together, our community’s young people shine brightest.”

On February 19th, I had the joy of attending the Rotary Club of Annandale meeting, where Dr. Michelle Reid, FCPS Superintendent, served as the honored guest speaker. Dr. Reid shared thoughtful updates and engaged local business and community leaders in a meaningful conversation about the future of our schools and workforce.

She highlighted progress toward the FCPS 2023–30 Strategic Plan, discussed upcoming budget priorities, and explored emerging career pathways that are preparing the next generation for success.

The Rotary Club of Annandale remains a valued community partner with a strong commitment to student achievement. Their collaborative relationship with Annandale High School and Principal Shawn De Rose is a powerful example of partnership; building capacity, strengthening connections, and supporting student success in meaningful and intentional ways.

When schools and community organizations work hand in hand, students thrive and our meeting was truly a wonderful reminder of that shared commitment. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Annandale for their warm hospitality and spirited engagement.

If your chamber of commerce or civic organization would like an opportunity to engage directly with Dr. Reid, please contact us at FCPSpartnerships@fcps.edu.