For Hoboken resident Ashlee Casper, giving back to the military community is a major part of her life. As the VP of the Kyle Palmieri Foundation {ahem, her fiancé is New Jersey Devils player Kyle Palmieri}, she aids those enlisted in the military and military families. As this week’s Hoboken Girl of the Week, she’s sharing more about the work she does, what she hopes the Kyle Palmieri Foundation achieves, + her own Hoboken + Jersey City hotspots.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m the Director of Social Media at J Strategies, a lobbying and communications firm. My job is to build awareness around legislative issues through social media and public relations strategy. I’m also the Vice President of a military nonprofit called, the Kyle Palmieri Foundation, that was founded by my fiancé, Kyle! The Foundation works to raise money for three nonprofits: Service Women’s Action Network, National Military Family Association and Pets for Vets.
How did you and Kyle meet?
We met about eight years ago while Kyle was playing for the Syracuse Crunch. I’m from a city just outside of Syracuse called, Auburn, NY, and was headed to Syracuse University that fall. A mutual friend of ours connected us and the rest is history!
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How has life changed since Kyle joined the Devils?
After playing in Syracuse, Kyle played for the Anaheim Ducks. For a good portion of our relationship, he was in California and I was in Albany, New York while finishing college and beginning my career. The biggest change since Kyle got traded to New Jersey is just being able to spend time with family. He spent a lot of time away from family during Christmas and birthdays. Having family close by is definitely something we don’t take for granted!
Who is your biggest source of inspiration?
The strength of the military members and their families. A few years ago, Kyle and I watched as his sister moved back home to New Jersey with a newborn baby because her husband was deployed to the Middle East and in just three years, they’ve lived in five different states. Military families face so many challenges and many often forget the sacrifices that they also make while their loved ones are serving. It’s a huge reason why we chose to support the military nonprofits that we did.
What are your goals for this year?
My goal for this year is to raise at least $200,000 for the Kyle Palmieri Foundation! We’re also working to create merchandise to sell that benefits the Foundation.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are the same for me! I travel frequently between Hoboken/ NYC and Albany, NY for work but on days that I’m able to stay local, I work at my full-time job in NYC from 9:00AM-5:00PM and then spend most of the evenings working on the Foundation. Right now, my nights are consumed with planning for our Inaugural Military Ball on February 23rd! During hockey season, I’m typically at New Jersey Devils home games in Newark a few nights week to watch Kyle play.
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What has been the highlight in your career so far?
Seeing the Kyle Palmieri Foundation come to fruition. Kyle started a program called Squad21 in 2016 where active and retired military members, as well as their guests, could attend a New Jersey Devils game and then meet with him following the game. We had been working for a while to expand Squad21 into a larger military nonprofit and it’s exciting to see that vision come to life!
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
My original career path was in the military! I started college at Syracuse University with an Army ROTC scholarship. While in the program, I discovered a permanent back injury and a congenital kidney issue, which would have made it very difficult to continue on in the military. But life works in crazy ways! Although I’m not serving in the way I had intended, it’s great to be able to give back to my country in a way through the Foundation.
On Her Hoboken + Jersey City Favorites
What is your favorite restaurant in Hoboken?
Bin 14, Anthony David’s, Saku, and Benny Tudino’s definitely top the list!
What is your favorite boutique in Hoboken?
What do you love most about Hoboken?
The views of NYC!
What is your favorite thing to do in Hudson County?
Walking my pup, Penelope, along the waterfront in Hoboken. It’s beautiful and so relaxing!
How long have you lived in Hoboken?
Three and a half years.
What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Hoboken?
What is your favorite place to work out in Hudson County?
Where do you go out with friends in the area?
We love to take friends and family to Zack’s Oak Bar and Bin 14.
What is something you think needs to come to Hudson County?
More outdoor spaces along the waterfront…The former Union Dry Dock would be the perfect place for a new park!
Is there anything else you want to share?
Anyone can attend the Inaugural Military Ball on February 23rd. Come out to support a great cause, raise money, and have a great time! Most of the New Jersey Devils hockey team will be there to support myself and Kyle and we would love to see everyone there! For more information, you can visit www.kylepalmierifoundation.com.
Keep up with Ashlee on Instagram and Twitter, and stay tuned for her #HobokenGirlTakeover!
Want to be featured or nominate someone as an upcoming Hoboken Girl of the Week?
Email hello@hobokengirl.com about your/her story.
