Ashley Ridgway, Esq.

Ashley joined AWI in 2025 and helps the organization develop and promote implementation of legal, policy, and administrative measures to protect animals in laboratories across the country. She holds a JD from the University of Virginia School of Law and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a minor in anthropology from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.

She has been an animal enthusiast since childhood and began focusing more intensely on animal advocacy after college. During law school, Ashley undertook internships at various animal advocacy organizations—including AWI, where she worked on endangered species and other wildlife issues. Upon graduation, she began her legal career working on strategic impact litigation to advance the interests of animals and activists.

Ashley lives with six rescued/adopted animal companions: three mixed-breed dogs ranging from 13 to 75 pounds, two ducks, and one chicken. She enjoys trying new vegan restaurants and recipes, practicing yoga, spending time near bodies of water, and making art.