Topeka's Top "20 Under 40" Ashley Charest

Photo by Nathan Ham

When it comes to the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, Ashley is all things membership. She develops relationships with businesses in the Topeka community, recruits new Chamber members and retains existing members, as well as hosts numerous events. Ashley also helps facilitate fundraising for the Chamber and GO Topeka.

Ashley was awarded the 2016 Washburn University Distinguished Service Award for the Graduate of the Last Decade for her personal and professional contributions to society. She is the president of the Kansas Society of Association Executives, and a member of the Friends of the Topeka Zoo Board of Directors, the CASA of Shawnee County Advisory Board, and the American Cancer Society Couture for Cancer Advisory Board.

Ashley’s passions surround kids and cancer. For kids, she works with CASA of Shawnee County to ensure that each child going through the court system has someone to speak up for what they need. In regards to cancer, having been personally affected many times by this disease, her work with the American Cancer Society has one goal—to stamp out cancer.

Ashley is married to Aaron Charest and has two daughters, Ainsley (11) and Alexandria (6).

“Ashley’s energy and charismatic personality is contagious! She has the ability to take lead on any project and gives it her all. She is a wonderful example of a strong leader and citizen in the Topeka community.” —Jessica Lehnherr, CASA of Shawnee County