Meet Ashley Hannon

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Hannon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?

Empathy, for me, started with something deeply personal. My grandfather was killed before I was born, and I never got the chance to meet him. His murder shaped my understanding of loss and how violence leaves a hole not just in families but leaves ripple effects throughout communities. Growing up in New York City, where life can be both vibrant and unforgiving, I saw firsthand how violence can become just another headline. You learn early that tragedy is common, but justice isn’t.

This reality stuck with me as I got older. I started my true crime blog because I wanted to tell these stories—not to sensationalize them, but to show the humanity of the victims behind the cases and remember them. These aren’t just names or statistics; they’re individuals who had lives, dreams, and people who loved them. They deserve to be remembered, and their story told.

Once my blog had taken off, I was pushed to do more. I wanted to go beyond storytelling and start providing resources and support for families of the murdered and missing, which led me to founding the Coalition for the Missing and Murdered. I know what it feels like to grow up with unanswered questions and to carry that sense of loss through life. My goal is to honor victims, help families find resources, and make sure these stories are treated with the empathy they deserve. Every person’s story matters, and my blog and nonprofit are my way of making sure no one is forgotten.

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 work is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact within communities across America. Throughout the course of my career, I have worked as an Emergency Medical Technician as well as on the suicide hotline, where I witnessed firsthand the intersection of trauma, mental health, and resilience. These experiences inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in forensic psychology. I now aspire to become a clinical psychologist with a concentration in forensic psychology.

Currently, I run a true crime blog called Odd Murders and Mysteries and a nonprofit organization, the Coalition for the Murdered and Missing. My blog is dedicated to sharing stories of missing and murdered individuals in a way that is respectful, thoughtful, and focused on the humanity of the victims. I wanted to share stories without sensationalism and instead brings awareness to cases and people who deserve to be remembered.

My nonprofit grew from the same mission. The Coalition for the Murdered and Missing is still new and growing, but we’re committed to providing families with resources, support, and advocacy. Right now, we’re focused on building an interactive resource map to provide state-specific tools for families and communities navigating these tragedies. Looking ahead, we hope to expand our efforts into research to explore prevention methods.

What excites me most about this work is the impact storytelling and advocacy can have when they come together. Spreading awareness is a simple yet effective way of ensuring important information gets out, with the hopes of bringing closure to families and loved ones. I aim to provide a sense of connection and hope to families while raising awareness for cases that often don’t get the attention they deserve.

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?

Compassion has been at the heart of everything I do. Whether it’s listening to someone in crisis or honoring the lives of victims through my blog and nonprofit, understanding people’s struggles and responding with care can make all the difference during a troubling time for someone. Remember, everyone has their own story that has shaped them. Compassion grows when we put ourselves in a position to understand others’ experiences.

I have found a willingness to learn to be an extremely important quality. I have always been curious and open to learning, whether it was through my formal education in forensic psychology or through everyday experiences. Knowledge doesn’t just come from classrooms; it comes from listening to others, reading, putting yourself in new situations, and keeping an open mind. There is something to be learned from every experience and interaction you have.

Critical thinking is also a very valuable skill to have. A large part of what I do for both my blog and nonprofit is rooted compiling information. I’ve spent countless hours digging through articles, case files, databases, and other resources to ensure the information I share is accurate, thorough, and meaningful. This skill is invaluable for anyone working with information, especially when it involves sensitive topics. For anyone developing this skill, I recommend learning how to filter reliable sources, how to cross-reference information, and utilize public databases. Research isn’t just about finding facts; it’s about uncovering connections and patterns that are based in fact. Developing critical thinking will help you navigate complex topics with care and accuracy.

If I could share one overall piece of advice for anyone early in their journey, it’s this: immerse yourself in new opportunities, be inquisitive, and act with compassion.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Individuals and organizations I’d be honored to collaborate with are those who share a commitment to helping families of missing and murdered individuals. Collaborating with like-minded people or organizations can be helpful for spreading awareness, advocating, and getting closure for families.

There are many collaborators I’d be open to working with:

Other nonprofits that advocate for families of missing and murdered individuals, are involved in victim advocacy, or violence prevention.

Individuals who are passionate about spreading awareness, fact finding, building resources, and online research.

Researchers and professionals who are looking to explore prevention methods, address systemic gaps, and develop solutions to reduce these tragedies.

Writers, advocates, and volunteers who’d like to help share stories, find resources, or provide outreach to families and communities.

If you’re reading this and want to collaborate, please reach out. You can contact me through our website at coalitionforthemurderedandmissing.org.

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