We were lucky to catch up with Ashleigh Ellis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashleigh , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Growing up as the only Black ice skater in my community, I faced unique challenges that ultimately shaped my confidence and self-esteem. My mother instilled in me the belief that I needed to work harder and strive to be better than my peers. This mantra became my driving force. I dedicated myself to practicing before and after school, and I spent every summer at skating camps to hone my skills.
The relentless commitment paid off when I qualified for the Junior Olympics, a milestone that validated my hard work and determination. However, the most fulfilling aspect of my journey has been establishing Unity Ice Academy. This initiative allows me to share the gift of ice skating with children who look like me, creating a supportive environment where they can thrive.
Through Unity Ice Academy, I aim to inspire the next generation of ice skaters, helping them build their confidence and self-esteem while fostering a sense of belonging in a sport where they may feel underrepresented. My journey from an aspiring ice skater to a mentor has been incredibly rewarding, and it reinforces the idea that with hard work, determination, and community support, anything is possible!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Ashleigh Ellis, and as the founder and CEO of Unity Ice Academy, I am deeply passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the sport of ice skating. Our academy is dedicated to providing a supportive environment where young skaters, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, can develop their skills, build confidence, and cultivate a love for the sport.
What excites me most about Unity Ice Academy is our mission to empower the next generation of skaters. We focus not only on technical skills but also on fostering a sense of community and belonging. Through our programs, we aim to create pathways for young athletes to excel, both on and off the ice.
In addition to our regular training sessions, we have some exciting events coming up. On February 22, 2025, we’ll be hosting a Black History Month skate event at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA, that celebrates the contributions of Black athletes in figure skating. This event is particularly special as it highlights the importance of representation in sports and allows our skaters to connect with their heritage.
Following that, on March 20, 2025, we will hold our annual fundraiser. This event is crucial for raising funds for our ice skating summer camp and our grant fund, which provides scholarships and resources to our skaters. We are also thrilled to honor Tai Babilonia, a two-time Olympian and world champion, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Celebrating her legacy inspires our young skaters and showcases the heights they can achieve.
Unity Ice Academy is not just about skating; it’s about building a community where everyone feels valued and empowered to pursue their dreams. I invite everyone to join us in our journey, whether through participation in our events or by supporting our mission. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the world of ice skating.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities that have been most impactful are resilience, dedication, and the ability to foster community.
Resilience: Ice skating, like any sport, comes with its fair share of challenges, whether it’s dealing with setbacks in competition or facing the reality of being the only Black skater in my community. Learning to bounce back from disappointments is crucial. My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. When you encounter obstacles, remind yourself why you started and use those moments to strengthen your resolve.
Dedication: The commitment to practice consistently—whether it was training before and after school or attending summer camps—has been vital to my success. Developing a strong work ethic is essential. For those just starting, set clear goals and create a routine that prioritizes practice and improvement. Celebrate small milestones along the way to stay motivated.
Fostering Community: Building connections with others in the sport has not only enriched my experience but has also allowed me to create Unity Ice Academy. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can make a world of difference. I encourage newcomers to seek out mentors, join local clubs, and engage with others who share your passion. Collaboration and support can lead to shared learning and growth.
For anyone early in their journey, remember that success is not just about talent; it’s about how you navigate the ups and downs, maintain your dedication, and build relationships within your community. Stay focused on your goals and be open to learning from every experience along the way.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I am actively looking for collaborators and new partners to help take Unity Ice Academy to the next level. I believe that strategic partnerships can significantly enhance our impact and expand the opportunities we provide to our skaters.
Here are a few types of partners I’m interested in:
Community Organizations: Collaborating with local nonprofits or community groups that focus on youth development, sports, or education can help us reach more young skaters who could benefit from our programs. Together, we can create outreach initiatives that promote inclusion in ice skating.
Schools and Educational Institutions: Partnering with schools can enable us to integrate skating into physical education programs or after-school activities. This could provide students with new opportunities to engage in sports while fostering a love for ice skating.
Corporate Sponsors: We are looking for businesses that align with our mission and values to support our programs, events, and scholarships. Corporate partnerships can provide financial resources and help us expand our summer camps and other initiatives.
Skating Professionals and Coaches: Collaborating with experienced coaches and former athletes can enhance our training programs, bringing in diverse perspectives and expertise. Their mentorship can greatly benefit our young skaters.
Media and Influencers: Partnering with media outlets and influencers who are passionate about sports and diversity can help raise awareness about our mission and events. This can amplify our reach and encourage more individuals to engage with Unity Ice Academy.
By forming these partnerships, we can enrich our offerings, broaden our reach, and create more impactful experiences for our skaters. I’m excited about the potential collaborations that can arise and the positive changes we can achieve together! I can be reached via email: [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.unityiceacademy.org
- Instagram: @unityiceacademy
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