Ashley Erin Thompson
美莉
associate training director
Ashley Thompson has a rich and diverse heritage that she proudly embraces. Her mother immigrated from Hong Kong to the United States as an infant, and her father has both Caucasian and Hispanic backgrounds. Ashley grew up in Los Angeles’ Chinatown, where she was deeply connected to her cultural roots and immersed in her Chinese heritage. She attended Castelar Elementary School and spent countless hours at the local Alpine Recreation Center, where she played basketball, learned classical piano, and enjoyed time with friends. Ashley was fortunate to work at both Alpine and Castelar, allowing her to give back to the very community that raised her, all while balancing her college studies.
Today, Ashley brings her expertise to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, working as a Building Mechanical Inspector. She applies her extensive knowledge of codes to residential construction projects throughout Los Angeles, ensuring safety and quality for the city’s residents.
A proud wife and mother to her son, Ashley’s passion for community engagement extends well beyond her professional life. She believes in the importance of remembering one’s roots and always giving back. Ashley began volunteering at age 13 at Alpine Rec Center, working with the youth in the summer camp program. She remains active in several volunteer initiatives in Chinatown. She currently serves as a board member for Precision Health Center, an accessible and affordable health clinic. She is also on the planning committee for the LA Firecracker Run, a distinguished event promoting health, community, and culture through its run/walk/bike activities.
In 2019, Ashley was crowned Miss Los Angeles Chinatown 3rd Princess, following in the footsteps of her aunt, who earned the same title in 1996. This experience connected her with an inspiring sisterhood of like-minded women, and she hopes to encourage other young women to join the MLAC community and make a positive impact in the LA Chinatown that has shaped her.
Sponsor: KIEN GIANG BAKERY
Ashley is 21 years old. She grew up in Chinatown and speaks Cantonese, which she learned from her “ying ying”, “popo”, and her mom. Ashley is currently attending college to pursue her goal to become a pediatric nurse. While in school, she devotes a lot of her time to working closely with her community of Chinatown, Los Angeles. She is currently a Teacher’s Assistant at Castelar Elementary school where she helps students in the classrooms. She is also a Recreation Assistant at Alpine Recreation Center where she tutors children, coaches sports such as basketball to young girls, and leads various activities and community events. She believes in the empowerment of young women and equal access to success. She hopes that by being crowned Miss Los Angeles Chinatown, she can promote more involvement in the Chinatown community and help to educate others about the Chinese culture.
