[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 33 (Friday, February 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





HONORING ASHLEY DUNBAR AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR 
                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 23, 2024

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Ashley Dunbar is a passionate, experienced 
trial attorney and a New Jersey native. Ms. Dunbar received her 
bachelor's degree from Villanova University and her Juris Doctor from 
the University of Florida Levin College of Law. While in law school, 
Ashley competed on the Black Law Students Association International 
Negotiation Team and advanced to the Final Four as a first-year 
student. The following year, she was appointed to be the team coach.
  Ashley also competed on the University of Florida Alternative Dispute 
Resolution Team, served as the executive articles editor for the 
Journal of Law and Public Policy, presided as the vice president of the 
Black Law Students Association, and served as the community service 
chair for the Florida Association for Women Lawyers and for the 
Caribbean Law Students Association.
  Ms. Dunbar began her legal career as a public defender, where she 
tried over 25 cases ranging from juvenile matters to felonies 
punishable by life. Additionally, Ms. Dunbar collaborated on several 
successful appeals and reached countless satisfactory settlements 
through effective negotiation and motion practice. Ms. Dunbar then 
gained substantial experience in civil litigation as an associate at 
McDonald Toole Wiggins and as in-house counsel for Progressive 
Insurance.
  In addition to her legal career, Ashley dedicates substantial time to 
helping the community directly. She has led and participated in 
numerous protests, coordinated donation drives, mentored young 
scholars, and planned pro bono events in Orlando. Ashley has also 
chaired the Community Outreach Committee for the Paul C. Perkins Bar 
Association as well as served on the Justice Advisory Committee under 
Congressman Darren Soto in collaboration with fellow leaders in Florida 
to review the Justice in Policing Act of 2020 and other policy issues.
  In her spare time, Ashley enjoys fitness, competing in bodybuilding 
competitions, traveling, and good food.
  On February 22, 2024, Ashley Dunbar was honored as a distinguished 
leader in Central Florida for Black History Month.

                          ____________________