Daniel Ash’s journey in social justice began with a personal connection to his hometown community in Ohio, evolving into a transformative mission that spans decades and cities.
Currently serving as president of the Field Foundation, Ash is devoted to building equity and amplifying the voices of underrepresented individuals, particularly in the South and West Sides of Chicago.
The Field Foundation concentrates on enhancing local journalism, supporting the arts, civic infrastructure, and grassroots leadership efforts.
However, Ash emphasizes that the foundation’s impact goes beyond statistics; it is about fostering relationships and creating networks that drive meaningful change.
“The Field Foundation exists to help communities see themselves and support each other. We’re here to help build a more equitable Chicago from the inside out,” Ash stated.
His journey into public service and advocacy was ignited after graduating from Oberlin College with a degree in economics and receiving a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship at Princeton University.
Though he began his career in Ohio, it was his arrival in Chicago in 1992 that marked a significant turning point, fueling his commitment to equity, culture, and community empowerment.
Before his role at the Field Foundation, Ash held several key leadership positions that significantly influenced philanthropy and civic life in the city.
As Associate Vice President of Community Impact at The Chicago Community Trust, he spearheaded the Building Collective Power strategy, which centered on resident leadership, storytelling, and organizing to create equitable neighborhoods.
Additionally, as the Trust’s Chief Marketing Officer, he initiated “On the Table,” a citywide civic dialogue that engaged thousands of Chicagoans in discussions about community challenges and solutions.
Prior to his tenure at The Chicago Community Trust, Ash spent a decade at Chicago Public Media as Vice President, guiding revenue growth and contributing to the overall strategic direction of the station.
His earlier work encompassed public health, poverty law, and HIV/AIDS prevention, with roles at the Shriver Center, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and the Center for Family Policy and Practice.
These varied experiences deepened his belief in the power of grassroots initiatives and the importance of investing in individuals, rather than merely programs.
“I’m not interested in short-term wins; I’m interested in transformation and helping communities build their capacity to thrive,” he asserts.
Ash’s leadership style is also profoundly shaped by his upbringing.
Adopted as a child, he credits his father with instilling values that influence his worldview.
“I feel fortunate to have been adopted. It was a blessing to be chosen to have someone say, ‘I will raise you,’” Ash shared.
His father, a World War II veteran, exemplified a nurturing and emotionally open form of masculinity, demonstrating affection and creating space for emotional connections.
These formative experiences encouraged Ash to confront and redefine mainstream narratives surrounding Black masculinity.
He reflects, “I was raised around men who worked with their hands, steelworkers, veterans, but they were some of the most emotionally connected people I’ve ever met. That’s the side of Black manhood that doesn’t get shown enough.”
Looking at today’s landscape, Ash notes that similar patterns of brotherhood and connection exist among young Black men, despite the different circumstances that shape their lives.
“Humans need networks; sometimes, in environments shaped by poverty or violence, those networks form as street organizations.
The needs are the same as identity, belonging, and safety. But the outcomes can be tragic when those networks are rooted in trauma,” he explains.
Despite these challenges, Ash expresses hope for the future.
“I see more and more men—young and old—seeking spaces to connect and heal. Whether it’s a Bible study group or a community organization, these safe spaces matter,” he affirms.
For Ash, fatherhood is the title he cherishes most.
He and his wife, Sarah, have nurtured three sons who are now in their twenties, making Father’s Day a heartfelt occasion centered on togetherness rather than material gifts.
“I’m simple; give me a long walk with my sons and my wife, and I’m happy,” he states.
These walks, ranging from six to eight miles across Chicago, are a beloved family tradition.
“My oldest son told me recently how much he values that time. It reminded me of my childhood when we’d take Sunday drives as a family. Those small, consistent acts build trust,” Ash recalls.
He views parenting as a collaborative endeavor with his sons, encouraging them to enjoy the journey of life.
“I tell my sons, ‘You’re still in the early chapters of your novel.’ I want them to enjoy the process, not just chase outcomes.
My father helped me understand that the how is just as important as the what, whether in work, relationships, or life,” he emphasizes.
Ash’s unwavering dedication has garnered recognition, including being named one of Crain’s Chicago Notable Leaders in Philanthropy in 2025 and receiving the Minorities in Public Policy Studies (MiPPS) Alumni Award from the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy in 2024.
In 2022, he was honored with the Advocate for Equity Award from Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy.
He actively serves on several boards, including The Moth, CAN TV, Community Desk Chicago, and Catchafire.
Amidst accolades and influence, Ash maintains a focus on the human stories behind policies and programs.
“At the end of the day, we all need something to ground us: faith, family, community, those are the anchors. That’s where the work begins,” he concludes.
For Daniel Ash, the pursuit of social justice and community empowerment remains a lifelong commitment.
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