Ashley Castro

About Ashley Castro

Ash Castro is a brand strategist, marketing strategist, and entrepreneur working at the intersection of psychology, storytelling, and purpose-driven marketing. She is the founder of two creative agencies: Haute Locals, a boutique marketing and communications agency serving hospitality and lifestyle brands, and The Purpose Pilot, a specialized marketing agency helping therapists, psychologists, treatment centers, and mental health organizations grow their practices with ethical, human-centered digital marketing. Ash began her career in the clinical and behavioral health field, an experience that continues to shape her approach to communications and marketing strategy. With a strong understanding of human behavior, trauma-informed messaging, and audience psychology, she helps organizations translate complex, meaningful work into clear and compelling narratives that connect with the people they serve. Ash holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master’s degree in Communications from the University of Southern California (USC). Her work focuses on bridging clinical insight, cultural storytelling, and strategic marketing, helping brands and organizations build trust, visibility, and meaningful connection in the communities they serve.See Me | Forbes | bit.ly/forbesxcivicnation8womenHear Me | Yellow Co.| bit.ly/PRxSocialEnterprise

Experience

1. Founder & CEO

   Haute Locals

   Nov 2019 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   We are a creative marketing and communication agency with a core focus on memorable storytelling.We see ourselves as community builders, managing digital channels with the goal to attract new customers and deepen relationships with existing ones. Our tailored services are designed to meet the unique needs of our clients, who value excellence, authenticity and a seamless customer experience. With a diverse and talented team based in Los Angeles and Mexico City, we bring a deep cultural understanding of both regions to deliver measurable results at a competitive rate. Our vision is to amplify what is luxurious and unique in the local experience through innovative and compelling storytelling.• Social Media Management (organic)• Social Media Marketing (paid)• Website Dev & Management• Campaigns• Email Marketing• Branding• Graphic Design• Digital Ads

Education

• UC Santa Barbara

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Psychology

  2003 — 2007

• University of Southern California

  Master of Arts (M.A.), Communication Management

  2012 — 2014

Skills

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Non-Profit Program Development
• Training
• Experienced Traveler
• Editing
• Trade Shows
• Parenting Skills Training
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Qualtrics
• Photography
• Parent Education
• Asana
• Social Media Marketing
• Non-Profit Leadership
• Google Apps
• Preschool
• Fundraising
• Marketing Communications
• Facebook
• Strategic Communications
• Press Releases
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Salesforce.com
• Constant Contact
• Prezi
• Basic Html/Css
• Marketing
• Crisis Management
• Nonprofits
• Organizational Design
• Public Speaking
• Social Media
• Social Entrepreneurship
• Microsoft Office
• Email Marketing
• Behavior Modification
• Management
• Internal Communications
• Spanish
• Mailchimp