Ashley Small, President/CEO

Ashley takes great pleasure in helping others step into the spotlight. Whether working with a local business, a national brand, or a prominent political figure, her proven branding and marketing strategies have empowered clients to expand their reach and increase brand awareness.

She founded Medley, Inc. in 2009 to marry traditional PR strategies with the latest technology.

With training in communications and deep experience in social media and public relations, Ashley has earned national recognition. In 2011, she was named a “Face of Houston” by *Fast Company* for her entrepreneurial spirit. In 2015, she was recognized as one of *Houston Business Journal*'s 40 Bizwomen Mentors.

Prior to founding Medley, Ashley worked with top national brands, political figures, and nonprofits such as Nintendo, Chili’s, former Houston Mayor Bill White, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Ashley’s impact extends far beyond her business. She actively serves with several nonprofit organizations including Girls Inc., Women Empowering Nations, Lemonade Day Houston, and the I'm Me Foundation. Through her community work, she has educated and trained hundreds of girls and budding entrepreneurs in technology, social media, and character building.

She’s always eager to connect—follow her on Twitter at @AshleyRSmall.

Ivis Batista, PR and Digital Marketing Account Executive

Ivis is a strategic communications professional with over six years of experience driving public-facing campaigns across government, healthcare, and mission-driven sectors. As a PR and Digital Marketing Account Executive, she leads initiatives that blend data, storytelling, and cultural fluency to engage communities and deliver results. Her work spans everything from campaign development and media strategy to digital content creation and stakeholder engagement.

Before joining Medley, Ivis led statewide outreach for Medicaid at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, where she helped launch the agency’s first digital-first campaign. She has also served as a key communications advisor across city and state agencies, specializing in crisis response, equity-focused messaging, and cross-sector collaboration.

Ivis holds a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in African American Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is completing her MBA at LSU Shreveport. She brings a sharp strategic lens, deep commitment to equity, and a track record of executing high-impact campaigns in complex environments.

Ashley Segura, Digital Marketing Account Executive

Ashley Segura is a seasoned digital marketing strategist and storyteller with a decade of experience leading content, social media, and brand campaigns. Since 2015, she has helped organizations and brands connect with audiences through culturally resonant, visually compelling narratives that drive impact.

Her career began in advocacy, where she played a key role in mobilizing Latino voters as the Digital Organizer for Jolt Action. She went on to strengthen her expertise in public relations and marketing at Big Oak Tree Media, a Houston-based agency known for elevating community voices through data-driven storytelling.

Ashley’s professional background is uniquely shaped by her service as an Intelligence Analyst for the Texas Army National Guard. Her ability to identify trends, analyze complex information, and forecast emerging challenges informs her strategic approach to digital marketing.

Today, Ashley partners with mission-driven organizations and brands to build authentic connections, amplify diverse perspectives, and deliver measurable results. Her work is grounded in the belief that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for building community, inspiring action, and shaping culture.

Madison Mari-Ella Walkes
PR and Digital Marketing Account Executive

With a strong foundation in agency communications and a proven track record in both the public and healthcare sectors, Madison excels in launching innovative digital marketing campaigns and strategic communications plans that boost client visibility across multiple industries. Her engaging content not only enhances brand recognition but also ensures meaningful public engagement and impactful storytelling.

Madison graduated with both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Baylor University, majoring in Journalism and Public Relations with a minor in Political Science. During her time at Baylor, she served as the president of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Baylor chapter for four years, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to the field. Madison’s academic excellence has been recognized with awards such as Outstanding Graduate Student and Outstanding Student in NABJ.

In addition to her academic achievements, Madison has contributed to the scholarly field with a book chapter titled “From Blackface to TikTok: An Examination of Humor and the Use of Memes to Police and Perpetuate the Practice of Cultural Appropriation” published in 2024. With four years of agency experience and a solid background in the health sectors, Madison brings a wealth of expertise and a dynamic approach to every project she undertakes.