The Hive Community Circle is a culturally specific South Carolina-based non-profit committed to centering women and girls of color impacted by sexual abuse and intimate partner violence. As a survivor of sexual abuse and lifelong advocate for survivors, Ashley draws from her own experience, in addition to her academic and professional background, to help other survivors reclaim their mental health, self-worth, and autonomy. In a society that often ignores, misrepresents, or otherwise devalues their shared experience, Ashley stands as a staunch advocate for women and girls of color who are less likely to be supported through the trauma of sexual abuse or relationship violence.
With a natural skill for problem-solving, innovation, and mobilizing people and resources to effect positive change, Ashley earned her BA in psychology from Columbia College and a master’s of social work from the University of Washington. She is active in her community, notably serving as a Board Member of Prisma Health Hospital Foundation, Central Carolina Community Foundation African American Philanthropy Committee, and former Chair of Richland County Domestic Violence Coordinating Community Council. Ashley is a sought-after speaker and trainer on topics related to social justice, culturally specific services, and non-profit leadership.