MSU Extension Wayne County

Ashleigh Apel is a Michigan State University Extension 4-H Program Coordinator in Wayne County. She has worked in this capacity since January 2023. Ashleigh's primary office is in Western Wayne on the corner of Van Born and Venoy. 

In her role as a 4-H Program Coordinator, Ashleigh provides leadership and management of local 4-H programs, volunteers, and youth participants in Wayne County. She promotes and strengthens the Wayne County 4-H program by developing programs and partnerships and evaluating 4-H programs, and  recruiting and training volunteers. Ashleigh is also the liaison from the state Michigan 4-H office that helps to ensure that statewide opportunities and information is available to local participants. 

Ashleigh grew up in her county's 4-H program participating for 10 years. She began showing rabbits and poultry as a younger youth and slowly ventured into showing larger livestock such as sheep, swine, and cattle. As an older youth Ashleigh served as a 4-H County Ambassador, was a mentor and protege teacher for younger youth in the program, and served as her 4-H clubs President and Vice President on numerous occasions.

Before joining MSU Extension Ashleigh was a Child and Youth Program Assistant for the United States Army teaching Pre-K. She was also an Outreach Specialist for Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan serving underrepresented communities in Lansing. Additionally, Ashleigh served on the 4-H STEAM Corp with AmeriCorps in Ingham County for a year. Ashleigh holds a Bachelor's in Animal Science and a Master's in Youth Development both from Michigan State University. 

Ashleigh’s career goal is to positively influence youth and to provide them with the resources they need to be successful in adulthood.