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Staff
Ashley Czaja
President
Ashley is an experienced public policy advisor and political strategist with a strong track record of shaping policy, improving operations, and leading high-performing teams. With over a decade of leadership in legislative and campaign settings, she brings deep expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and legislative affairs.
Most recently, as Chief of Staff to the Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader, Ashley advised on policy, managed communications, and coordinated complex legislative initiatives. She is known for navigating high-stakes environments, fostering collaboration, and delivering results aligned with organizational goals.
She has also held senior roles in political campaigns and committees, leading key initiatives in fundraising, voter outreach, and team development. Her ability to translate data into actionable strategy and craft compelling messaging has driven successful outcomes.
Ashley is committed to strengthening educational opportunity in Wisconsin by advancing policies that broaden access, remove barriers, and empower families to choose the best path for their children. She is recognized for her strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and ability to build lasting relationships across diverse stakeholders.
Carol Shires
Vice President of Operations
Carol has a 20-year history with the Parental Choice Program. As the VP of Operations at School Choice Wisconsin, Carol oversees the day-to-day operations of SCW and is the primary liaison between private schools and the Department of Public Instruction.
In addition, she has extensive experience in a school environment having served ten years with Eastbrook Academy, primarily in the role of Business Manager.
Carol supports private school administrators with Choice Program compliance concerns, onboarding assistance, and strategic program updates. She seeks to be a trusted resource to help schools succeed in the program and increase the number of high-quality options available for families.
Ultimately, Carol believes in the power of a good education to help each child develop their God-given potential. Her broad program experience uniquely equips Carol to both come alongside schools and provide strategic input into SCW’s policy agenda.
Carol holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Nebraska.
Nataly Andrade
Director of Outreach, Hispanics for School Choice
Product of school choice herself, Nataly professionally came in contact with the education sector after returning from Mexico in 2016 and becoming an admissions representative and later on, Director of Admissions for St Joan Antida High School in Milwaukee. She became fond of the school choice program during this time by aiding Hispanic families (mainly) in understating the choice program during their admissions process.
Nataly Andrade is our Hispanic outreach coordinator working directly for the Hispanics for School Choice movement. She has close connections with the Hispanic community in Milwaukee and is working to expand her outreach work in Wisconsin.
Nataly’s primary goal in the job is to educate parents about choice and see the program expand. She has a cheerful sprit, is knowledgeable, experienced, and very outgoing. Nataly holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of La Salle in Mexico.
Elizabeth Emery
Operational Support Specialist and Writer
Elizabeth Emery began her career in education as a high school English teacher at St. Thomas More High School in Milwaukee. Her experience working with students shaped her ability to communicate clearly, problem-solve, and handle a variety of tasks. During her time there, she became the Department Chair, helping build her leadership skills and spark her interest in management and instructional design. All of this contributes to her role at School Choice Wisconsin, where she will help streamline daily operations to ensure efficiency and adherence to our strategic plan.
Further, Elizabeth’s background in writing will be utilized to help create content related to marketing, research, policy, and more. What started as a passion for helping students appreciate and learn the writing process has expanded into her professional career. She is excited to use storytelling as a means to highlight the success of our kids, schools, and parental choice programs.
Elizabeth holds a Masters of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Bachelors of Science degree in Secondary Education and English from Marquette University.