Fast Five: Ashley Chaffin

Meet Ashley Chaffin, a graphic designer and photographer in the marketing department at the Coeur d’Alene Kroc Center. Ashley has been with the Kroc for four years and absolutely loves the work she gets to create for its community-centric programs. She describes herself as “creatively-driven” with a passion for music, video games, her friends and all kinds of nerdy topics.

Generation: “While I technically fall into the ‘millennial’ category, I feel like myself and many of my generation don’t follow the typical negative stereotypes that the name ‘millennial’ is associated with. Therefore, as a millennial, I strive to let my skills, work ethic and open mind demonstrate that who I am is not defined by a generational stereotype.”

Career and Community Involvement: “I’ve always been a creative person since I was a kid and wanted to be an artist of some sort. At the same time, I am one who grew up around the rise of technology and loved computers and video games. Combine creativity and technology, and I was introduced to the wonderful world of graphic design and all it had to offer. I received my associate degree in graphic design and associate degree in web design from North Idaho College, which opened up so many opportunities for me that ultimately led me to where I am today.

“I interned at the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce before I graduated from NIC, putting me right at the center of all that the Coeur d’Alene community does, helping design various materials for Chamber and City events, fundraisers and holidays. This position helped me gain the valuable experience and skills needed to move forward, and my desire to use my talents in ways that help others led me to the wonderful work at The Kroc Center.”

1. What drew you to work at The Kroc Center?

“I wanted the opportunity to grow in my career and was looking for a role at a business that I could personally get behind, and I was lucky enough to be given that opportunity by the wonderful team at the Kroc. They allow me to use my skills and design mind to market programs and services that our community can benefit from, and that means a lot to me. I love the ‘people come first’ mentality that the Kroc as a whole encompasses. The people I work with are all amazing and all strive to help others in need through their work, and I’m very lucky to be a part of that.”

2. What do you hope to accomplish in your role there?

“I want to learn and grow as much as I can in my role as a graphic designer and photographer. I’m part of an awesome marketing team that challenges me to do my best every day, and to continue to use my talents as part of the Kroc Krew to bring positive change to Kootenai County through our many programs.”

3. What are a few things you love about living in North Idaho?

“I think my favorite things about living here are the opportunities and friendships I’ve had, as well as being close to family and having the beauty of nature at every turn. All of the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met have really shaped me into who I am today, from my career and my family and my close friendships. It’s something I’ll always hold close to my heart and wouldn’t trade anything for.”

4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

“Surprisingly, not many people know that I’m super into video games, even though that’s what I want to do at all times of the day! I can easily spend hours playing online with friends from all over the country, and have even traveled to meet up with some of them in person which only strengthened our friendship more. I primarily play on PlayStation 4, although I very much miss having a gaming PC and hope to get one soon. Some of my all-time favorite games include “Destiny,” “Portal,” “The Sims,” “Horizon Zero Dawn,” “Minecraft,” “Kingdom Hearts,” “Monster Hunter,” “Undertale,” “ARK Survival Evolved” and “Don’t Starve.”

5. Who are a few of your heroes and why?

“It might be a little unconventional, but someone I’ve always admired from a young age was Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day. Not only for their music, but the ‘be who you want to be and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise’ mentality really helped me figure out who I was when I was a teenager stumbling through life, helping me understand that who I am and who I want to be is enough. They also taught me to question everything, break the status quo, challenge the system, because we control our own destiny and it’s up to us to stand up for what’s right. My favorite quote from him is, ‘To do something that you feel in your heart that’s great, you need to make a lot of mistakes to get there. Anything that’s successful is a series of mistakes.’ Which is something I feel almost everyone can relate to.

“But while my favorite band helped me discover who I am, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support from my parents. My mom and dad have sacrificed so much for their kids to be successful and healthy and happy and loved, despite their many challenges. My brother and sister and I are all off doing what we love because of them, and I’ll forever be grateful for their guidance and support in our different paths in life. It’s been a tough year for our family and the strength my Mom has had through it all is endless, and I’m very proud of her. I’ll always value and love my parents for the life they’ve given me.”