Meet Ashley Hammock

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Hammock. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Navigating spaces where I am the only one who looks like me has been both challenging and empowering. As an African American woman, I leverage my unique perspective to offer fresh insights and solutions. Building a support network with mentors and professional groups, like the National Association of Black Women in Business (NABWIB), has been invaluable. I also focus on self-advocacy, resilience, and continuous learning to ensure my contributions are recognized and valued.

Additionally, I seek allies who amplify my voice and help create an inclusive environment. Taking care of my mental and physical health through self-care activities is essential. By staying true to myself and leveraging my strengths, I can be highly effective and successful in any room.

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?

I’m excited to share my journey and what I’m passionate about professionally. As an African American woman, I’ve dedicated my career to various impactful roles, including being a youth advocate, travel agent, nonprofit executive, author, songwriter, and events and public relations specialist. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to bring unique perspectives and innovative solutions to the table, making a meaningful impact in my community and beyond.

One of the most special aspects of my work is my role as a youth advocate, where I empower young people to reach their full potential. Additionally, as a travel agent, I help clients create unforgettable experiences. My work in the nonprofit sector focuses on driving positive change and supporting underserved youth and communities. I’m also thrilled to announce upcoming events and new projects, including book releases and music launches, which will further our mission and reach. My goal is to continue inspiring others through my diverse professional endeavors.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have been most impactful are resilience, adaptability, and effective communication. Overcoming challenges and setbacks has been crucial, allowing me to stay focused and motivated even in difficult times. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, maintaining a positive mindset, and seeking support when needed have all helped build my resilience.

Adaptability has also been essential, whether it’s navigating different roles or adjusting to industry changes. Staying relevant and effective requires being open to learning and trying new things. Flexibility and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone have significantly enhanced my adaptability.

Clear and impactful communication has been key in all my roles, from youth advocacy to public relations. It helps in building relationships, conveying ideas, and driving initiatives forward. For those starting out, honing communication skills through practice and feedback, engaging in public speaking, writing, and active listening can greatly improve the ability to connect with others.

My advice for those early in their journey is to continuously work on these qualities. Seek opportunities for growth, remain open to change, and always strive to communicate effectively. These skills will not only help navigate your career but also make a lasting impact in your field.

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 always open to partnering and collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations. I am particularly interested in working with those who share a passion for youth advocacy, community development, and creative projects. Whether you are a fellow nonprofit leader, a creative professional, or someone with innovative ideas in travel, events, or public relations, I would love to connect.

If you are interested in collaborating, please reach out to me through [email protected] and on Instagram o0oitsashley. I look forward to exploring how we can work together to make a positive impact!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/o0oitsashley
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahammock.worldofpowerfulyouth
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-hammock-b614b756
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/o0oitsashley

Image Credits

Beauty In Color
Ashley Marie Brand