ASME Senior Director Recognized by D.C. Foundation

Senior Director of ASME Programs and Chair of the Krewe of Pyros Foundation's Education Committee Ashley Huderson was named the Washington D.C. group’s 2025 Presidential Leadership Award winner.

Date Published:

Feb 11, 2025

Author:

Cathy Cecere

Image Credit:

President of Krewe of Pyros Foundation Cleve Davis (left) and Captain J.C. Walker (right) Congratulates ASME’s Ashley Huderson. Photo: Krewe of Pyros Foundation

To recognize her work and efforts serving as its chair of its Education Committee, the Krewe of Pyros Foundation recently selected ASME’s Ashley Huderson as its 2025 Presidential Leadership Award winner. “I am grateful to this organization for creating a space for my passion to thrive. I am also grateful to the Education Committee and organization as a whole for helping to strengthen and grow the work we do,” the senior director of ASME Programs said.

The Krewe of Pyros represents Louisiana cultural arts through unity, charity, and celebration with a mission to extend the cultural pipeline from Louisiana to other regions, including Washington, D.C. The foundation’s Education Committee is specifically dedicated to advancing STEM education and empowering students through various initiatives.

An example of its work is the “STEAM Speaker Series,” which focuses on exposing students to STEM careers by incorporating monthly speakers and quarterly field trips that align with the curriculum. For example, the program featured two speakers each month—one professional working in a STEM-related career and a technical expert in the field, such as a makeup artist alongside a cosmetic chemist.

“These sessions, conducted either in person or virtually, offer students a comprehensive understanding of different career paths and the technical expertise behind them,” Huderson said.
The educator explained that her work includes over 15 years in this space and she is “deeply passionate about STEM education and empowerment, particularly in creating equitable opportunities for underrepresented communities.”

With a strong commitment to fostering curiosity and innovation, Huderson has dedicated her efforts to mentoring, advocacy, and designing impactful STEM initiatives that inspire the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders. With a focus on expanding access to STEM education, fostering community partnerships, and creating sustainable impact, the future of the Krewe of Pyros Foundation Education Committee is “bright and ambitious,” Huderson concluded.

Cathy Cecere is membership content program manager.