In a time when headlines too often highlight the struggles, stereotypes, and systemic barriers faced by Black youth, it becomes even more important to celebrate those who are rising above the noise and making their mark. For every negative story in the news, there are countless young Black men and women who are excelling—in academics, the arts, sports, entrepreneurship, activism, and beyond. Their stories, though less frequently told, are powerful reminders of resilience, brilliance, and boundless potential.
These young people are not just overcoming obstacles; they are redefining narratives, challenging expectations, and setting new standards of excellence. Whether they are earning scholarships, launching businesses, leading community initiatives, or making history in their own right, they deserve to be seen, heard, and uplifted. Celebrating their accomplishments isn’t just an act of recognition—it’s an affirmation of their value, their dreams, and their rightful place in the future we are all building together.
At a time when representation and inspiration matter more than ever, we must be intentional about highlighting these bright lights in our communities. Their achievements remind us that, despite the challenges, greatness is not the exception—it’s the expectation. Today, Black Westchester proudly and loudly celebrates just such a young Black lady, whose name is Ashley Robinson.
After making a presentation focusing on the need for young adults to register to vote at a Greenburgh Town Board meeting, Alexander Hamilton High School Senior Ashley Robinson impressed Town Supervisor Paul Feiner so much that he invited her to host a cable TV news show. Ashley accepted the invitation and created Teen Times, a show for teens by a teen, which she hosts and produces. On Teen Times, Ashley highlights the accomplishments, achievements, and initiatives of youth in her local community.
“She got great experience planning the shows, getting guests for the shows, and conducting interviews with interesting guests. I first met Ashley in October 2024 when Ashley spoke at the Greenburgh Town Board meeting- focusing on the need for young adults to register to vote,” Feiner shared with Black Westchester. “I was very impressed with Ashley’s presentation. She is very articulate, and her presentation made me think of how Obama would have spoken to a Town Board when he was in High School.”
The Elmsford native has produced and hosted 5 episodes so far. In her premier episode of Teen Times, Ashley interviews and features three local teen entrepreneurs: Jason Ramirez, a senior at Alexander Hamilton High School and owner of Westchester Car Detailing; Deondra Gentles, a junior at White Plains High School and owner of Hair By Dede; and Xavier Tula, a senior at Alexander Hamilton High School and owner of XTRA Sweets.
She tackled topics like youth voter registration and the importance of getting youth and teens out to vote (episode 2) interviewing members of The League of Women Voters of White Plains, the instrumental role the Theodore D. Young Community Center (TDYCC) plays in the community (episode 3), spotlighted three members of the local Girl Scoot Troop, who shared their mission and the history of the Girl Scoots (episode 4), and on episode 5 she highlight two juniors from Archbishop Stepinac High School who started a program entitled Better Relations offered by the TDYCC.
Ashley graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in Elmsford, June 2025 with a 4.0 GPA. She was a National Honor Society Recipient – 2022, 2023, 2024, and a High Honor Roll Recipient – 2022, 2023, 2024. With Advanced Coursework in AP Language & Composition, AP European History, AP US History, AP English Literature and Composition, AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP Biology, AP Psychology, and 3 years of French Language. Just saying she was a highly motivated and committed high school senior with exceptional leadership and collaborative skills seems like an understatement.
She excelled in academics, exemplifying a strong emphasis and passion for communications, writing, and literacy, with a fun-loving team spirit and interpersonal skills displayed in numerous extracurricular and sports activities. She is a conscientious humanitarian, illustrating service-oriented pursuits through community projects and volunteer efforts. She is also an aspiring journalist who seeks to align her communication strengths at Penn State University with a major in journalism.
She has several accomplishments including YOUTH LEGACY AWARD (2024) where she was selected as the first youth recipient of Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus Legacy Award for outstanding community service involvement, BOOK REVIEW WEBSITE (2024) (ASHLEYSTAR.COM) – she launched website to foster a love of reading by reviewing and recommending books across several genres, HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE (2023) where she was featured on her school website and newsletter for successful holiday food drive at high school, resulting in 288 lbs of food for 240 meals for families in the local community, TEEN MAGAZINE RELEASE (2023) where she researched, interviewed, photographed, and wrote articles for the Journalism Program resulting in the premier of The Greenburgh Sheen Magazine, YOUNG ASPIRING LITERARY SCHOLARS PROGRAM (2022 & 2023) where she participated in a literary program for high school students interested in poetry, writing, and journalism and VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP (2022) where she helped lead the team to the Section 1, Class D volleyball championship.
“If you review Ashley’s resume, you’ll agree—she seems to excel in everything she tries—a terrific student, active in sports, charitable causes, and music. Her cable TV teen show is interesting, and the quality is fantastic,” Feiner adds.
Other affiliations include • GREENBURGH SHEEN JOURNALISM PROGRAM – Girls Journalism Training Program 2023-24 • NABJ – National Association of Black Journalists Member 2024 • SEN. ANDREA STEWART-COUSINS YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL – Political Advisory Program 2023 • DELTA GEMS – High School Girls Mentoring Program 2022-24 • DELTA ACADEMY – Middle School Girls Mentoring Program 2021 • NAACP – National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, White Plains/Greenburgh Youth Division President 2024; Secretary 2022 & 2023; Member 2021 • CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH – Youth Ministry Youth- Present
Who knows? One day, Ashley might be the winner of a Pulitzer Prize. I would be very surprised if Ashley, one day, doesn’t either win a Pulitzer in journalism or get elected to high elective office,” Feiner shared with pride and great excitement.
We also like to thank Paul Feiner for bringing her to our attention. Feiner says Ashley is not the only student who has produced and hosted a news show this year. Blake Feinstein, a student from Edgemont, has produced a series of fascinating news stories this past year. He wanted me to let students interested in participating in the Student News Network or hosting their own cable news or interview show are welcome to email him at pfeiner@greenburghny.com or call him on my cell: 914-438-1343.
We salute and proudly celebrate Ashley Robinson, a true Black Westchester legend in the making. Remember the name because we believe you will be hearing great things about her in the near future and for a long time!
