Shena Ashley

Shena Ashley is vice president of Community Impact and Investment at Capital One and president of the Capital One Insights Center. She leads teams using data analytics and research to inform community programs and published insights, and oversees strategic philanthropic investments. Previously, she led research initiatives at the Urban Institute, including its Office of Race and Equity Research. She holds a Ph.D. in public policy from Georgia Tech and Georgia State University. ([bipartisanpolicy.org](https://bipartisanpolicy.org/hub/2026-terwilliger-summit-resource-guide/2026-terwilliger-summit-bios/?utm_source=openai))

Rural Entrepreneurship Depends on Local Capacity, Not Just Capital

Rural entrepreneurship requires more than investment: communities need the capacity and coordination to put capital to work locally. Derek Kilmer of the Rockefeller Foundation identifies capital, capacity and coordination as essential; Danielle Samalin of the Center on Rural Innovation adds connections and argues that housing belongs in economic-development planning from the start. In Bozeman, Mayor Joey Morrison described technology investment as raising the prospect of new jobs while intensifying pressure on affordability and local businesses.

The Aspen InstituteOct 27, 202613 min read