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Dr. Ahlishia Shipley is an innovative leader with over a decade of experience in the federal government. Her professional path is reflective of her passion to empower and support healthy, resilient families, farms, and communities.  She has a strong focus on equity and access for historically underserved communities, leading high-priority grant programs totaling over $350 million. Dr. Shipley's work at USDA has encompassed leading federal funding opportunities and partnerships for addressing health disparities, particularly in behavioral health and substance abuse issues as well as building equity in rural places and spaces. As the founder of AJS Relationship Strategies, she provides research-based education and resources to vulnerable audiences, cultivating healthy relationships which lead to resilient communities. Dr. Shipley has training as both an educator and a researcher earning a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences Education, a M.S. in Career and Technical Education and a PhD in Family Studies all from the University of Kentucky. She has also received the Full Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designation by the National Council on Family Relations.  All of her experiences have culminated in a deep appreciation for comprehensive teaching, outreach, and research  firmly rooted in effective partnerships.