MEET THE TEAM
ASH MILLER
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - NATIONAL
Ash Miller (she/they) embraces NV as home while also taking adventures around the world whenever possible.
A former primary educator (pre-k-8th grade) for 11 years, that world was swapped for the sex industry in 2013. Since then, they have navigated life as a solopreneur, dancer, content creator, social media marketing maven, and general creatrix.
The Cupcake Girls were introduced to them through a beloved friend and community member who couldn't have been more right in their assessment that it was an organization she *needed* to know about. They began as a volunteer on the Events team in Las Vegas and quickly became the Events Lead in Las Vegas. In July of 2024 she joined the Board of Directors and later accepted the role of Board Secretary in October of 2024. She is excited to be stepping up as the Interim Executive Director to help guide The Cupcake Girls into a new era of advocacy, organizational growth, and community-driven initiatives.
Ash is very excited to bring their energy, drive, and funky spirit to The Cupcake Girls. She believes strongly in building bridges between communities and working to make sure more people are included in the rooms/conversations where decisions are being made. Her lifelong lived-in experiences as a disabled queer femme from a multi-generational activist and advocacy-focused family bring passion and experience in what it is like navigating a world often inaccessible while living in a body often treated as invisible.
Happily married with 2 cats at home, she and her spouse also enjoy off-roading in their Jeep Wrangler, eating their way around the world, and supporting living artists whenever possible. You may catch Ash out on the town at burlesque and cabaret shows, cooking classes, art shows, or making magic happen in the company of friends.
GRACE AASEN
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER: OREGON + SW WASHINGTON
Grace (they/she) first joined The Cupcake Girls as an events intern at the end of 2019. After graduating from Portland State University in 2020, they began their role as Volunteer Care Lead. In 2021 they joined the staff as Branch Coordinator, and in May 2023 they began their current role as Community Engagement Manager.
Grace has always resonated with and valued the mission of the organization. She has aspired since day one to provide the best and most useful resources and support to our hardworking volunteers and courageous program participants. She believes the folks we serve as well as everyone who works alongside the organization deserves to flourish.
When not in the office, Grace is usually listening to music and finding outlets for her creativity and ever-flowing thoughts. They enjoy spending time with people they love, singing their heart out, makeup artistry, and all the amazing PDX food!
BRAGO BROWN
JUNIOR PROGRAM COORDINATOR: NEVADA
Brago Brown (she/her) is the Nevada Junior Program Coordinator for The Cupcake Girls. With over ten years in the non-profit sector, Brago is driven by a strong commitment to public health advocacy. Her journey in public health has shaped her understanding of how widespread issues affect all individuals, particularly those in misrepresented communities, highlighting the importance of their voices being heard on direct and indirect public health issues. This commitment is further solidified by her work as a trained sexual assault victim advocate and a sexual health facilitator for local non-profits and government agencies, equipping her to support diverse demographics that society frequently ignores.
Outside the office, you can find Brago at the gym or doing fitness-related activities, trying new hobbies, or reading a book.
valentine deen
PROGRAM MANAGER: NEVADA
Valentine (she/her) is the Nevada Program Manager for The Cupcake Girls. She is a long standing community organizer, advocate for marginalized groups, and a 15+ year sex working veteran.
Valentine personally advocates for decriminalization and equitable rights to create safer working conditions for those in the adult industry – with a particular focus on supporting BIPOC workers in these trades. Her expertise in the adult industry has earned international recognition, leading to frequent appearances as a podcast guest, panel speaker, and interview subject.
She first bonded with The Cupcake Girls as a performer back in 2016 where they provided salon-style services and delicious cupcakes at the venue. She brings leadership experience, having worked as a Co-Director for OSWC (Oregon Safer Workers Coalition) in Portland, OR, where she helped develop and grow the organization over the past 2+ years. She remains on their Board of Directors to bridge the relationship between OSWC and The Cupcake Girls for harm reduction and SW policy.
ASIA DUNCAN
RESOURCE CENTER DIRECTOR
Asia Denise Duncan (she/her) is a passionate leader and advocate for economic empowerment, healing, and justice. As Director of The Cupcake Girls Resource Center, she leads the charge to build a holistic, trauma-informed space that supports survivors of trafficking through personal development and economic opportunity.
With deep roots in nonprofit leadership, real estate, and community development, Asia specializes in strategic fundraising, capital campaigns, and building pathways to generational wealth. Her lived experience fuels her commitment to create spaces where survivors and marginalized communities can thrive.
Asia’s focus: raising the $1M needed to renovate and launch The Cupcake Girls Resource Center—a safe, empowering hub for healing, growth, and lasting impact.
MARICRUZ GOMEZ
NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Maricruz (she/her) first joined The Cupcake Girls as a volunteer client advocate in early 2019 to empower our program participants to achieve their goals. She knew she wanted to be a part of an organization that was making a difference, and with their commitment to uplifting marginalized groups, Cruz knew The Cupcake Girls was that place.
She officially joined staff in the summer of 2020 as the Program Director for Oregon + SW Washington, where she dedicates her time to ensure all program participants receive the highest levels of respect and support.
Outside of The Cupcake Girls, Cruz likes to spend her time out in nature, trying new foods, and practicing aerial arts.
CHLOE K
OPERATIONS MANAGER: NEVADA
Chloe (she/her) is the Nevada Operations Manager at The Cupcake Girls, where she oversees day-to-day operations with precision and compassion. Her journey with the organization began in September of 2022 as a volunteer, where she quickly immersed herself in the mission of providing holistic support to individuals in the sex industry.
Chloe’s multifaceted background spans across various industries, from entrepreneurship and education to high-tech ventures in machine learning and AI. This diverse experience enriches her role, infusing it with a depth of insight and expertise in project management and community outreach. She is deeply committed to cultivating a culture of empowerment and inclusivity, ensuring that every individual who walks through the doors of The Cupcake Girls receives the care and assistance they deserve.
Outside of her work, Chloe indulges her creative side through knitting, paper crafting, and singing in a local choir. She loves spending her downtime exploring the vibrant arts and culture scene in Las Vegas and is particularly fond of the lively speakeasy scene.
KIANA ROBINSON
BRAND & MARKETING MANAGER
Kiana (they/them) is passionate about advancing diversity and elevating awareness through sex worker advocacy. With over eight years of experience in content marketing and social media management across multiple industries, Kiana developed strategies that drive meaningful, organic engagement. They previously led a creative team, resulting in impactful, community-centered content. Kiana thrives in cross-functional environments and is always eager to collaborate with others who value intentional, audience-driven communication. Versatile, dedicated, and always learning, Kiana brings a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and connection in every project.
SAMMY SPONER
PROGRAM COORDINATOR: NEVADA
Samantha Sponer (they/them) is a Program Coordinator for the Nevada branch of The Cupcake Girls. Samantha, also known as Sammy, was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and has always dreamed of helping their community. As a recent graduate of Tufts University with a Bachelor in Civic Studies and a Bachelor of Fine Arts, they aim to apply their skills and knowledge of the arts and civics to make this goal a reality. After initially volunteering with this organization in 2020 and joining again in September of 2023, Sammy joined The Cupcake Girls’ team to fully dedicate their time to its mission and aspires to become an asset to this organization and the community it serves.
In conversation with their beliefs in intersectionality and liberationism, they are committed to adding to the efforts of activists past and present. Outside of work, Sammy can be found hanging out with their dog and creating art and poetry in the hopes they can inspire, empower, and uplift others.
ALYSSA TOLVA
NATIONAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Alyssa (she/her) joined The Cupcake Girls in April 2018 as the Events & Community Engagement Manager, transitioned to Branch Manager in 2021, and moved into her current role in 2025. With over 20 years of leadership experience, she is dedicated to fostering equitable rights and social justice. Alyssa has worked alongside policymakers and community leaders to advocate for survivors and underserved communities, ensuring The Cupcake Girls’ mission addresses the challenges she has witnessed firsthand in Portland.
If you reach out to The Cupcake Girls for volunteer opportunities or donor relations, you’ll connect with Alyssa!
Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her husband and stepdaughter, hanging with her two black cats, dancing to Bollywood music, gardening, and picnicking in cemeteries.
JUSTIN WHITE
PROGRAM COORDINATOR: OREGON & SW WASHINGTON
Since returning to school in 2018, Justin (they/them) has found a career shift from the SW industry into advocacy/Social Justice work. They began with working in food insecurity advocacy at PCC, partnering and working alongside Hunger-Free Oregon.
Justin joined the Cupcake Girls team in the Spring of 2023. They are currently attending Portland State towards a finance degree, hoping to use these skills to help as many unseen and underrepresented communities navigate their future goals. As somebody who has enjoyed their time in the sex work industry, this work is a place of personal joy for them. Getting the opportunity to help bridge gaps and improve connections for people looking for the right tools or relationships motivates Justin. It leaves them looking forward to the future and their daily work—an open, honest, and cheerful soul.
Outside the Cupcake Girls, Justin enjoys socializing, movies, and other volunteer experiences and still occasionally moonlights as a dancer. A peaceful place you can find them is near any water and forever and always dancing and moving their body to music.