Board Spotlight: Ashley Yoakam

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio is thrilled to welcome four new members to its Board of Directors in 2023. As we welcome these new members, we asked each board member a few questions to get to know them. Check out our Q&A with Ashley Yoakam.

How did you become involved with RMHC of NW Ohio?

I became involved after hearing a story from a family who stayed at RMHC during a ProMedica Impact and Inspire event. At that event, they also spoke about the Red Shoe Society, how they cooked at RMHC, etc. I was hooked ever since and love cooking for families at the House, attending events, and helping in any way I can.

As a new board member for RMHC of NW Ohio, what do you hope to contribute or accomplish?

I hope to help with events more – a recent passion of mine is events and planning! I would like to remain on the marketing and development committees as well! Additionally, I hope to help spread the word about RMHC even more – I feel like sometimes personal social media posts help connect and help others realize what McDonald’s and RMHC have to offer!

How would you encourage someone to get involved with RMHC of NW Ohio?

The easiest way to get involved is by volunteering. I want to make it a goal of mine to set up a monthly schedule where the Board of Directors or House Committees volunteer to cook. Additionally, I love encouraging others to learn more about the RMHC relationship with McDonald’s. Round-Up for RMHC is a huge initiative, if we continue to share and educate others on its importance, it will prove to be a great asset to RMHC.

What do you love about RMHC of NW Ohio?

I love the mission of RMHC and what they offer to families in need. I am thankful we have never had to utilize the House in that capacity, but I know families who have, and how much the House relieved stress and supported them.

What does RMHC of NW Ohio mean to you?

RMHC of NW Ohio means helping families stay with their kiddo(s) who are ill without the financial burden of finding a hotel and nutritious food. We all know when we are under stress our health and eating habits can decline. RMHC of NW Ohio offers amazing meals daily with health options at their fingertips.

About Ashley Yoakam:

While not a Toledo native, Ashley has made her home here in the Glass City. Ashley, born and raised in Marblehead, Ohio, graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and Professional Sales from the University of Toledo in 2011.

Directly out of college, Ashley began her career as the Marketing Director of the Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC, where she previously held positions as the receptionist and marketing assistant. She then transitioned out of her marketing role into sales when she started at Mail It Corporation in 2013. While at Mail It Corporation, she grew a love for local non-profit organizations. Always finding the most effective, yet cost savings route to help promote the various non-profits.

With her love of non-profit work, she then started her career at the Toledo Public Schools Foundation in 2019 as the Program & Grants Coordinator. In 2022, Ashley was promoted to Executive Director, overseeing all fundraising efforts in addition to her previous role.

Ashley resides in Toledo with her daughter, Harper.  Ashley enjoys tending to her flowers and garden in her spare time, taking family walks through the neighborhood, and visiting local playgrounds with their daughter and new puppy Ranger.