Trailblazer Ashley Davis supports the next generation of women leaders

When women see other women undertake leadership roles and obtain seats in higher positions of power, they become inspired and encouraged to follow a similar path. As role models, women in leadership positions can communicate their insights, vision, and mission to a broader audience. They can open doors of opportunities and create a stage for women to come together to network, share ideas, and become sources of support for each other. 

One such exceptional woman who speaks publicly to promote inclusion and diversity in work settings and beyond is Ashley Davis, a highly sought-after expert speaker for national security, politics, women in business and leadership, and the arts and culture, given her expertise in these industries. Ashley recently attended the Global Women Leadership Awards in Dubai, a ceremony that celebrates women entrepreneurs, as a keynote speaker where she won the TrailBlazer of the Year 2023 award. Her background as the Special Assistant to Tom Ridge, the National Director of Homeland Security after the September 11 attacks, adds to her unending list of accomplishments that showcase her reputable reputation in providing talks about the events that occurred on that harrowing day. 

Describing her pivotal role following the attacks, Ashley stated that it was "the honor of a lifetime." The woman leader stepped up, worked seven days a week, and contributed to the goal for the Administration to remain united in their mission to stand their ground, find solutions, and adapt to the shifting political climate amidst global threats. Being one of the chosen task force members who helped establish the Department of Homeland Security, this life-altering experience motivated Ashley to empower other women to take on leadership positions. 

To transform her idea into action, Ashley became part of Vital Voices Global Partnership, an organization that has been investing in women leaders who can turn mere visions into reality for more than 25 years. She also became a member of the Women's Democracy Network, further underscoring her commitment to empowering women around the world and sending the message that they, too, can do whatever they want to do and become whoever they wish to be. According to Ashley, her line of work opened her eyes to the reality that women in the United States tend to have more opportunities compared to other parts of the globe. Therefore, it is her life mission to support the next generation of women leaders by mentoring them and helping them find more opportunities in areas that benefit them.

Aside from speaking about homeland security issues, cybersecurity, education, and politics, the phenomenal trailblazer also discusses the power pivot in her public speaking events. She believes that every individual encounters a point of pivot at least once in their lives. This powerful concept defines a person's path, allowing them to navigate unfamiliar territories, capture emerging opportunities, and unleash their ultimate potential. The power pivot allows one to embrace change, not fear or shy away from it. "It's about getting to that next stage that you want. You need to take the chances you need to take. If you want to get to that next level, you must grab big chances. You have to volunteer to take on the tough assignments. You have to make sure that you're showing up," Ashley stresses. 

The risk-taking woman leader incorporates the teachings of author Robin Sharma in his book The 5 AM Club in her daily routine which helped her live a fulfilling life despite her numerous obligations in different organizations. "I wake up at 5 AM, work out, read newspapers, and journals. I'm very structured, and I share how this brings various benefits in one's life in my talks," says Ashley regarding how the 5 AM Club routine, together with the power pivot, can make all the difference.

The Washington DC's 500 Most Influential People awardee for two years in a row sees herself continuing her valuable work as a lead principal at West Front Strategies, a multi-million dollar bipartisan consulting firm she co-founded. She also plans to juggle her commitments as an invaluable member of BigSpeak Speakers Bureau, as well as several non-profit and corporate boards, such as The Kennedy Center National Symphony Orchestra, Turning Point Brands Inc., the Economic Club of Washington D.C., and the Belizean Grove, another organization she co-founded.