Ashleigh Axios Joins Chief Network as Washington, DC Founding Member

Coforma’s Chief Experience Officer (CXO), Ashleigh Axios, has joined Chief’s network of women at the highest levels of their businesses as a Washington, DC Founding Member.

“Expanding to DC made the most sense as the District has become a center of power for women, as Kamala Harris becomes our nation’s vice president, women are confirmed for high-level Cabinet positions, and more women have been elected to the Congress,” Chief co-founder Lindsay Kaplan said in a statement to Built In. “We are not only able to support women executive leaders in each of these cities, but drive connections critical for changing the face of leadership.”

In a workforce where women hold only 23 percent of executive roles and women of color are historically further disadvantaged, Chief strategically connects women leaders, supports them with coaching and workshops, and helps them reach and maintain positions of power through mutual, networked support.

Chief curates core groups of eight to ten members based on responsibility level, career experience, and life stage. Groups meet once a month at the clubhouse for discussions led by a facilitator with at least a decade of experience in executive coaching or leadership development.

“I care deeply about gender equity and the power of convening, connecting, amplifying, and harnessing women’s impact on the business and social challenges of our day. I’m excited to be part of building this new community where I can continue to learn and grow, as well as mentor and support others in their leadership journeys,” said Axios. “Being selected as a Founding Member of Chief in DC, a city filled with brilliant leaders of every gender identity, is a special honor.”

Ashleigh Axios is an international speaker, strategic creative, and an advocate for design’s ability to break barriers and create positive social change. Prior to her role at Coforma, she formed and led the in-house creative agency for marketing, communications, and brand identity solutions at Automattic, a technology company on a mission to democratize publishing and commerce. Axios previously served as the creative director and a digital strategist for the Obama White House, bridging two presidential terms in the Office of Digital Strategy. She is also president of the national AIGA Board of Directors after previously serving as president of the AIGA Washington D.C. chapter.