Ashley Allen Honored for Literacy Leadership

When the 2026 MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase took place on July 27, 2026 in Charlotte, one of the honorees represented the quiet, determined strength of western North Carolina.

Ashley Allen, Co-Executive Director of Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe, was recognized for her leadership in community-powered literacy and her commitment to closing the race-based opportunity gap for local children.

MLS also posthumously recognized Dr. Victor Kidd as the 2026 Honorary Hero, honoring his legacy as a psychotherapist, mentor, and advocate for culturally competent mental health care.

Ashley was honored alongside three other 2026 Hometown Heroes whose work strengthens communities across the Carolinas: Alesia Flemming, Board Chair of Anderson Outreach; Janae Aiken, Director of the Emerging Leaders Program; and Maureen Krueger, Executive Director of The Charlotte ToolBank.

Anderson Outreach supports equity-impacted youth by addressing critical needs related to education, housing stability, life skills and overall well-being.

The Two-Six Project empowers historically under-resourced youth through leadership development, education, mentorship, and community engagement.

The Charlotte ToolBank strengthens communities by equipping nonprofit and community organizations with the tools and equipment they need to carry out service projects, volunteer initiatives, and community events.

Each Hometown Hero received a $15,000 grant from Major League Soccer, dedicated to strengthening the mission of their organizations. The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation matched those grants, adding another $60,000 to expand community impact work across the Carolinas. These investments support initiatives focused on literacy, physical and mental wellness, and access to meals and essential needs throughout the region.

The honor carried deep emotional weight for Ms. Allen. She has spent years showing up for students and families across Asheville and Buncombe County, often in conditions shaped by long-standing educational inequities as well as the ongoing challenges of post-Helene recovery. Even with a strong team beside her, the work can feel heavy. Being named a Hometown Hero offered a rare pause, a moment to breathe, reflect, and feel noticed.

“On a personal level, being recognized as a Hometown Hero is an incredible honor,” said Allen. I’ve got an amazing team and wonderful community support. Still, showing up every day to do difficult work on education in western North Carolina and post-Helene recovery is daunting. This recognition has been a beautiful reminder that the work I do is being seen. And more than that, recognition at this level—for a grassroots, Black- and female-led nonprofit that fights for the importance of BIPOC students’ education—sends a message to these students that they matter at a national scale.”

Her words reflect the heart of Read 2 Succeed’s mission. The organization pairs children with reading tutors, supports families with culturally responsive resources, and builds partnerships that help young learners grow into confident readers. Ashley Allen’s leadership keeps the work rooted in dignity, cultural awareness, and the lived experiences of BIPOC students across the region. She understands that literacy is not just about reading, it’s about opening doors, strengthening identity, and building long-term opportunity.

The Hometown Hero’s Showcase recognition did more than honor Allen’s efforts. It illuminated WNC’s children and families, as well as educators who continue to push for equity in a system that has not always served them well. It affirmed the importance of Black- and female-led organizations that are reshaping what educational justice looks like at the local level, and it reminded the community that meaningful change often begins with steady, everyday commitment.

Ashley Allen’s work is grounded in compassion and fueled by the belief that every child deserves to be seen, supported, and encouraged to thrive. Her recognition as a Hometown Hero confirms that her leadership is helping build a stronger future, one reader at a time.

The Hometown Heroes program, presented by MLS, Black Players for Change, and RBC Wealth Management, honors leaders who show up for their communities with consistency and compassion. Learn more about the program by visiting mlshometownheroes.com.