Ashley Rhodes-Courter, MSW, has been on the International speaking circuit since she was 14 years old. After spending nearly a decade in the foster care system as a child, Ashley became a New York Times Bestselling Author by the age of 22. She ran for State Senate at age 26, and has helped raise millions of dollars for non-profit organizations globally. Her personal story of resilience, perseverance, and survival inspires audiences of all ages to excel and thrive in their personal and professional lives, despite obstacles.
Since her first national keynote at age fourteen, Ashley has shared her story with thousands in the United States and in over seven countries.
Ashley is the quintessential American success story. Born in 1985 to a single teen mother, by the age of 3 she was in Florida’s foster care system, shuttled between fourteen homes—some quite abusive—before being adopted from a Children’s Home at the age of twelve.
Despite her ordeal, she excelled in school because she believed that, “my education was the one thing nobody could take from me.” Early in her life she felt compelled to advocate for herself and the other children she lived with, particularly in the abusive foster homes.
Her efforts and academic achievements landed her Eckerd College’s Trustee Scholarship where she graduated with honors and ahead of schedule earning a double major in Communications and Theater and a double minor in Political Science and Psychology.
During her undergraduate studies, she was one of 20 college students selected for the USA Today All-USA Academic Team and was named one of GLAMOUR Magazine’s Top Ten College Women. She was also selected as one of the four Golden BR!CK Award winners for outstanding advocacy for community change by DoSomething!. As part of their campaign, she was featured on 25 million bags of Cool Ranch Doritos. She has also been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, the Today Show, USA-TODAY, and The New York Times.
Ashley holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California and is a Clinical Social Worker. Her professional designations include: MSW, LCSW, BC-TMH, CBHCM, RBT.
Her unique intellectual, personal, and professional accomplishments give her an unparalleled motivational platform. One meeting planner described Ashley as “a walking cup of coffee.” Ashley’s infectious energy, humor, and passion will leave listeners rejuvenated and eager to create change for themselves and others.
Ashley has received State, local, and National awards for her speaking, advocacy, and philanthropy. She has spoken on Capitol Hill and has been invited to the White House twice.
Ashley’s second memoir, “Three More Words” debuted at #1; and Ashley’s first book, “Three Little Words” has been optioned by Hollywood Producer, Cathy Konrad and is now being made into a major motion picture.