World changer and FC alumnus Ashley Swearengin has not ceased in making an impact around the Fresno community. Swearengin is the current mayor of Fresno, California, mother, and wife to Paul Swearengin, who is the senior pastor at The River church in Fresno. Paul is also a radio personal who is a a long-time Valley Media member and currently pontificates weekly on “Paul’s Sports Pulpit.”

Swearengin graduated from Fresno Christian in 1990 and continued her education at Fresno State earning a degree in Bachelor of Science and a Master of Buisness Administration. After studying business, Swearengin worked at the Fresno Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

Working with the CDFI gave Swearengin a love for small businesses and how they impact the community economically. This passion has supported Swearengin in making a fiscal difference in Fresno.

Swearengin first ran for office in 2008 and won, becoming Fresno’s 21st mayor. Capitol Weekly named Swearengin one of California’s top ten mayors.

Since Swearengin went into office, she has instituted many programs including Serve Fresno, Learn2Earn, and Fresno First Steps Home. These programs help people in the community find homes, jobs, and hope. She has also participated in community events such as Kids Day.

Last year Feather editors were able to sell papers during the March Kids Day event. She has also returned to campus, participating in the FCS Auction.

The Feather started a series on world changers. Its purpose is to recognize FC alumni and show what they are currently doing in the world today. To see more FC world changers, visit FC World Changers: Dr. Samuel Hinton.