Meet
Ashlee Cunningham
Consultant
Change Agent
A dynamic leader with over 15 years of experience in community investment, development, and climate resilience — working at the intersection of equity, strategy, and sustainable systems change.
MPA · Urban Policy & Planning
15+ Years
Empowering organizations and communities through innovative, equitable solutions and strategic partnerships that create measurable, lasting impact.
Thriving communities equipped and empowered to create lasting change — from within, on their own terms, with the resources they deserve.
Built From the Ground Up
Ashlee Cunningham is a dynamic leader with over 15 years of experience in community investment, development, and climate resilience. As the Founder and Principal of We Change Community Consulting, she works closely with organizations and communities to design and implement equitable, sustainable solutions that address systemic challenges.
Ashlee has a proven track record of driving transformative initiatives that promote economic resilience, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability. She co-developed the Detroit Developers of Color Fund, leveraging $750K into $12.5M to support underrepresented developers, and directed $3M in homelessness funding toward Black women with children in Washtenaw County.
Her strategic guidance has helped teams nationwide secure over $30M for climate resilience and health equity projects. Prior to founding We Change Community Consulting, Ashlee held key roles at the Center for Community Investment, Capital Impact Partners, and Housing Access for Washtenaw County.
Previous Roles
Our Core Values
These aren’t words on a wall. They’re the lens through which every decision is made and every community is served.
Integrity
We say what we mean, do what we say, and stay honest even when it’s uncomfortable.
Collaboration
The best solutions are co-created. We show up as partners, not vendors.
Empowerment
We build capacity within organizations to lead their own transformation.
Innovation
We challenge the status quo and refuse to accept “that’s how it’s always been done.”
Community
Everything we do centers the voices, needs, and wisdom of the communities we serve.
Deep Experience Where It Counts
Ashlee’s expertise spans the full lifecycle of community and organizational development — from capital strategy through program evaluation.
Community & Economic Development Expert
Capital Absorption & Funding Strategy Expert
Climate Resilience & Sustainability Advanced
Affordable Housing Strategy Expert
Program Design & Evaluation Advanced
Qualified. Credible. Committed.
Master of Public Administration
Urban and Regional Policy and Planning • Grand Valley State University
Founder & Principal — We Change Community Consulting
Current • Detroit, MI
Center for Community Investment
Cross-sector partnerships & community investment strategy
Capital Impact Partners & Housing Access for Washtenaw County
High-impact housing, economic development & homelessness initiatives