"Everything I've been through in my life has brought me to this.
As hard as the days may be, I know I am meant to serve this community at this critical time. At every turn, I am given what I need. When I don't know what to do next, my Holdsworth mentor calls me and I have guidance."
Ashley Chohlis is determined to heal and uplift a community still reeling from the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary.
To disrupt the cycle of trauma, she must rebuild trust and give every student the support they need to succeed. In this low-income community, those needs go far beyond education.
Chohlis has partnered with every organization possible to provide wraparound services for families – food, healthcare, counseling, and more. Only when their basic needs are met will students be able to focus on learning.
A 2025 graduate of the Superintendent Leadership Program, Chohlis credits Holdsworth with giving her the skills and support to lead with compassion and transparency and guide the Uvalde community through the difficult days ahead.
Altar dedicated to Jacklyn Cazares, a victim of the Robb Elementary school shooting.
Altar dedicated to Jacklyn Cazares, a victim of the Robb Elementary school shooting.
Mural in Uvalde, TX downtown area.
Mural in Uvalde, TX downtown area.
Superintendent Ashley Chohlis fills a waiting car with groceries. The district is supplying food to 1,000 families per month by partnering with San Antonio food bank.
Superintendent Ashley Chohlis fills a waiting car with groceries. The district is supplying food to 1,000 families per month by partnering with San Antonio food bank.
Superintendent Ashley Chohlis checks in with students waiting for their bus at the end of the school day.
Superintendent Ashley Chohlis checks in with students waiting for their bus at the end of the school day.
Superintendent Ashley Chohlis at the food pantry pick-up.
Superintendent Ashley Chohlis at the food pantry pick-up.
Driven by the belief that teachers and students thrive with great leadership, The Holdsworth Center builds stronger leaders for Texas public schools. Founded as a nonprofit in 2017 by H-E-B Chairman Charles Butt, Holdsworth provides world-class leadership development programs and services within districts and at its Campus on Lake Austin, a one-of-a-kind place dedicated to the idea that public education holds worth. Learn more at holdsworthcenter.org.
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