Ashley serves as the Mission Specialist in the Women’s Department in The Salvation Army’s USA Southern Territory. She is the creator of the Women of Hope resource and has generously provided three stories from these interviews to International Headquarters.

'There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.' – Maya Angelou 

Having struggled with depression and anxiety for years herself, Ashley wanted to use her professional platform to develop a resource for women that would facilitate safe and helpful dialogue about mental health. 

The resource was intended to be just one video and one story, with two goals in mind: one, to create content that exhibited vulnerability and authenticity. Two, that the story shared would allow women who have gone through similar experiences to feel seen and heard. One video quickly turned into 10 in-studio videos, seven virtual interviews, five spin-off podcast episodes and a workbook! 

The plans changed, but the goals remained the same. Through Women of Hope, thousands of women have been reached. Women’s groups in churches and centres throughout the territory are watching the series together and having meaningful conversation and connection with one another. Women are seeing and learning the value in their own stories and the healing power it can have when they have the courage to share it with others. Ashley’s motivation is for women to know that no experience in their story is wasted. Even on their darkest days, hope is there.

Watch the latest Women of Hope interview: