About Ashley
As an award-winning writer, editor, and memoir ghostwriter, I help clients transform complex ideas and personal stories into clear, compelling narratives. With a background in investigative journalism and federal health communications, I’ve developed a distinct style of writing that informs and inspires. Whether I’m ghostwriting a memoir, editing a manuscript, or crafting persuasive copy for brands, my work blends sharp storytelling skills with a deep understanding of audience needs.
I live in the D.C. area with my husband, two dogs, and countless house plants. In my free time, I love to write fiction (I'm midway through writing my debut novel), walk through D.C. with an iced latte in hand, and plan fundraising events for the queer community (check out my Instagram for the latest!). I also love working on Throughlines, my weekly newsletter about the story threads that tie us all together.
You can explore my portfolio to see examples of my work, or get in touch to learn how we can collaborate on your next project.
My Approach
- ✓Collaborative partnership focused on your goals
- ✓Meticulous attention to detail and quality
- ✓Clear communication and transparent process
- ✓Commitment to deadlines and deliverables
Photo by Ashton Sotiro
Professional Experience
Freelance Writer and Editor
ByAshleyHackett, LLC
- •Write health and science features for outlets including The Washington Post, CNN, MarketWatch, and more
- •Develop thought leadership content for healthcare and biotech leaders
- •Ghostwrite memoirs
- •Write longform and investigative features on child welfare, mental health access in Latin America, and pandemic policy
Communications Specialist
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of AIDS Research
- •Created accessible health explainers and plain-language medical summaries, including top-performing web content on HIV care for transgender people
- •Led end-to-end development of a new research newsletter for 50K+ stakeholders, meant to launch Spring 2025
- •Managed editorial calendars, social media, and high-impact campaigns (e.g., World AIDS Day 2024, +50% attendance YoY)
- •Advised on public-facing language in HIV treatment guidelines to reduce stigma and increase clarity
- •Conducted audience interviews and usability work to inform redesign of OAR webpages
Communications Lead
NIH Office of Data Science Strategy
- •Directed editorial operations for weekly “Data Science Updates” newsletter, targeting scientific and public audiences
- •Ghostwrote presentations, briefings, and speaking points for NIH Director and ODSS leadership
- •Served as liaison for legislative affairs, translating complex policy into digestible internal memos
- •Supported multimedia strategies for webinars and internal town halls
Science Writer
NIH Office of Data Science Strategy
- •Developed educational content on AI, machine learning, and data reuse for researchers and the public
- •Executed data-driven social campaigns (e.g., Women’s History Month 2023) leading to record-breaking engagement
- •Managed strategic content planning for monthly NIH town halls and seminars
Washington Correspondent
MinnPost
- •Wrote weekly political newsletter (The D.C. Memo) reaching statewide readership; won second place in Minnesota’s Society of Professional Journalists’ 2022 Page One Award for best newsletter
- •Reported on wide range of federal policies, reproductive rights, and Minnesota-specific issues
- •Moderated virtual events with high-profile speakers including Sen. Amy Klobuchar and major national journalists
Technical Writer
GSA, DHS, and NOAA
- •Created internal communications and policy explainers for federal science and environmental agencies
- •Produced 100+ page training and acquisition report for NOAA based on dozens of internal interviews
Intern
CNN Investigative Unit
- •Published investigation on EPA policy changes around Pebble Mine in Alaska, tied to high-level political meetings
- •Built tracking systems for SEC filings to support reporting on insider trading
Research Reporter
ProPublica Illinois & Chicago Tribune
- •Investigated public health failures and psychiatric placement of state wards
- •Interviewed government officials and families for coverage of youth mental health infrastructure
Reporter
Better Government Association
- •Led data analysis and reporting for an environmental justice investigation into Chicago city agency closures
Education & Academic Background
Northwestern University
Medill School of Journalism
Chicago, IL
Northwestern University
Medill School of Journalism
Chicago, IL
- ✓cum laude
- ✓Editor in Chief - Spoon Magazine, 2016-2018
Core Skills & Expertise
Writing & Editorial
Digital & Marketing
Specialized Expertise
Awards & Recognition
NIH Director's Award: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award
2024For developing a month-long outreach and awareness campaign highlighting the significant contributions of women to the fields of computing, bioinformatics, and biomedical data science.
Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists Award for Best Online Newsletter
2022Let's Work Together
Interested in collaborating on your next project? I'd love to discuss how my experience in journalism, storytelling, and content creation can help bring your vision to life.