Kori Ashton

In the same year Google launched...

I got my start in web development back in 1998 when I needed a website for my folk band—so I taught myself to code. That curiosity sparked a career in digital strategy that’s now spanned over 27 years.

Today, I specialize in AI-driven marketing and instructional design, blending creativity with data to craft learning experiences and campaigns that actually connect. I work primarily with adult learners who are upskilling for their careers, as well as corporate teams and organizations seeking growth through digital strategy. I’ve served as CEO and Chief Digital Strategist for multiple agencies, building persona-driven strategies for global clients across corporate, nonprofit, and education sectors.

I hold three certifications in AI for Business and Data Science from Harvard Business School, a Master’s in Technical Communication from Texas Tech University, and I’m currently pursuing my Doctorate in Learning Design & Technology at Johns Hopkins University. I now focus on helping businesses grow through online marketing—and teaching graduate-level learners how to design smart strategies and generative AI content that makes an impact.

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I’ve worked with

Career Experience

2022 - Present

Founder & CEO

MaxCRO, LLC - San Antonio, Texas

I lead a powerful team that delivers human-centric digital solutions designed to transform global enterprises. Our work blends adaptive marketing, AI-driven strategy, and instructional design to help brands evolve — not just in how they show up online, but in how they educate, engage, and empower their audiences. From marketing campaigns to internal learning tools, we leverage today’s technology responsibly to create scalable strategies that drive growth, connection, and clarity.

2023 - Present

EdTech Instructor & Curriculum Designer

Ziplines Education - Virtual

Focused on real-world application, I design online learning experiences that help adult learners up-skill in marketing, AI, and technology — blending asynchronous content with live instruction to equip them with practical, immediately applicable skills. As a Subject Matter Expert and Instructor with Ziplines Education, I help create curriculum, develop real-world case studies, and lead virtual workshops that support learners navigating today’s fast-paced digital landscape. My passion is helping others feel confident in using new technology, while staying human-first in an AI-driven world.

2017 - 2020

Chief Digital Strategist

Parscale Digital - San Antonio, Texas

I developed and oversaw digital strategies to achieve business goals through online channels. I analyzed digital trends, identified growth opportunities, and implemented strategies across digital ecosystems. I ensured that all digital efforts aligned with brand objectives, driving engagement, increasing visibility, and improving ROI through data-driven decisions.

2012 - 2017

Founder & CEO

WebTegrity - San Antonio, Texas

Listed as one of the seven top females in the tech industry of San Antonio to watch – I’ve always been driven to craft something different and provide only the best for our clients as well as our team. We launched WebTegrity in 2012 as a small WordPress shop and quickly grew to be ranked 3rd in San Antonio’s Development Agencies. What a privilege it was to be a part of something so special to many team members and clients as well.

Education

2025 - Current

Doctorate of Education - Learning Design & Technology

Johns Hopkins School of Education

Recipient, EdD Initiative Scholarship (Bloomberg Philanthropies), 2025-2026

2022 - 2024

Master of Arts in Technical Communication

Texas Tech University - Lubbock, Texas

2023

Certification - Competing in Age of AI

Harvard Business School - Boston, Massachusetts

2023

Certification - Data Science for Business

Harvard Business School - Online

2023

Certification - Data Science Principles

Harvard Business School - Online

2017 - 2022

Bachelor of General Studies (Magna Cum Laude)

Texas Tech University - Lubbock, Texas

Skills & Expertise

My Top 5 Strengths:

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Activator — everybody needs someone that says “let’s go get it done” – that’s me

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Learner — always a learner – fascinated by the past and drawn to stories

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Strategist — seeing the bigger picture and how to navigate in it

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Responsibility — no matter what I am in – I feel a deep responsibility to it

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Developer — love developing people!

Data-Driven Digital Strategy

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+27 years of leading brands in digital strategies and consumer engagement with significant growth in data-driven results

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+4 years of enterprise-level campaigns including Global Experience Assessment and media buying for multi-million dollar budgets

Guest Speaking

2024 MaxMar AI Conference San Antinio
2024 Bluehost Podcast Guest Speaker
2023 Web Agency Summit (YouTube Panel)
2023 Texas Tech University (guest instructor)
2022 GreenFig Digital Marketing Course (guest instructor)
2021 WordPress & Divi Meetups
2020 WordCamp Speaker at Phoenix, Greenville, San Antonio, and Santa Clarita
2019 WordCamp US Speaker
2018 WordCamp Boston Speaker
2018 Geekdom Workshop Speaker
2018 Palo Alto College (guest speaker)
2018, 2017 & 2016 Trinity University (guest instructor)
2017 WordCamp Speaker Seattle, Austin, Boston
2017 & 2015 WordCamp San Antonio Keynote
2016 WordCamp DFW Keynote Speaker
2016 Million Cups Presenter
2015 & 2016 VWISE (featured instructor)
2014 The Art Institute Graduation Keynote
2014 TEDx San Antonio
2013 – 2019 WordPress Meetup SA (lead organizer / instructor)

Volunteering

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Women Techmakers Ambassador for Google

2022 – Present
I am a part of a community of thousands dedicated to our mission of building a world where all women can thrive in tech! I facilitate, speak, or join in other events as an advocate for women in Tech. https://g.dev/maxcro

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Girls Who Code - Lead Instructor

2022 – Present
It’s a privilege to teach local girls (ages 8-18) how to code. Working with the curriculum from Girls Who Code and located in a local library I’m able to serve our community and invest back into the next gen of Women in Tech.

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WordPress

2013 – Present
As one of the lead organizers of our San Antonio WordPress Meetup Group – I help lead, teach, and organize events around WordPress helping freelancers, small businesses and individuals to improve their online presence. I was the original organizer who launched the first WordCamp San Antonio in 2015.