When Ashby Kilgore retired after 46 years in public schools, she was a little apprehensive.
“I was like, ‘What the hell am I going to do?'” Kilgore said. “I’ve been working for a long time and I’ve been busy with it.”
The Hampton native worked for 25 years as a teacher and principal in Hampton City Schools, followed by 21 years in Newport News Public Schools. Now 75, she retired in 2017 after serving as Newport News’ superintendent for 11 years.
Ms. Kilgore’s future became a little clearer in 2020 when former Gov. Ralph Northam appointed her to a four-year term on the State Board of Community Colleges.
“This is kind of an extension of K-12, so I thought it was an interesting volunteer position,” Kilgore said.
She marveled at the opportunity to learn about the community college system and think about what she could contribute. That’s when Kilgore first learned about Fast Forward. Fast Forward is a short-term workforce certification program focused on training Virginians for high-demand jobs.
“That really stuck with me and I said, ‘This is something I have to do something about,'” she said of her lightbulb moment.
Wanting to help spread the word about the program, Kilgore called her friend John Ely III, a Newport News City Council member and former school board member.
“I said, ‘We have to let the community know about Fast Forward,'” she said. “This was a great opportunity for people who were looking for the next step in their lives, a new career, a career that wasn’t just a job.”
“I can’t say no to Dr. Kilgore,” Ely said. “You just have to say, ‘Okay, let’s make it work.'”
Their first meeting had only five attendees. Undaunted, the two persevered. Ely said 25 people showed up for the second meeting, and by the third, more than 125 people were lining up in nearly 100-degree weather to learn how to get work opportunities and improve their lives. He was eager to learn.
Kilgore and Ely started What’s Next in 2021, and their work evolved. The initiative connects residents of underserved communities with job training, advanced career readiness support, employment, and economic stability. A Gun Violence Prevention grant allowed the duo to take their vision to the next level.
To ensure post-admission success, Mr. Kilgore and Mr. Ely hired “navigators” to guide adult students through the course.
What’s Next is in partnership with Virginia Peninsula Community College and Achievable Dreams on the Peninsula. Students come from up north, like Richmond. The program is expanding to South Hampton Roads in partnership with Tidewater Community College and the Hampton Roads Workforce Council.
To date, What’s Next has helped 350 people earn industry certifications. Over 3,000 people attended recruitment sessions, over 70 attended homebuyer workshops and 60 attended youth entrepreneurship camps.
As Kilgore found her footing for the next stage in life, she was busy developing ways to let others know how they too could take the next step. Kilgore called it a logical extension of the work she did with young people in schools and said it all happened naturally.
“People are just getting a little older,” she said. “We are shaping the future, opening doors to opportunity, and helping to truly transform our communities at the same time, just as I did in our school system.”
Kilgore said she chooses not to be paid for her work and that the reward comes from the joy of participating.
“We’re all building something, and that’s the reward for me,” she said.
Although Kilgore is retired, Ely said he is putting more than 110 percent into opening doors for people. He called Kilgore a godsend, a game changer and a powerful figure.
“Out of a kind heart, she breaks down barriers for people at her own expense,” Ely said. “It’s a blessing to see someone so blessed give so much to the community they come from and see lives changed.”
Betsy Kilgore Byrd, no doubt proud of her sister, shared Kilgore’s latest venture in response to requests from the Daily Press and The Virginian Pilot for stories about part-time work for retirees. . They are the daughters of the late Anne Hitch Kilgore, an educator and City Council member who served as Hampton’s mayor from 1963-1971 and 1974-1978.
Ashby Kilgore said she enjoys the success stories and celebrations and feels like she’s come full circle when former students cross her path again. She also took up Pilates and has dedicated her time to several committees, including WHRO and the Virginia Living Museum.
“You don’t know what you don’t know. Retirement is a little scary, but life is fulfilling and rewarding,” Kilgore said.
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@pilotonline.com
