Ashley Edwards, MA

Director of Creative Strategy, U NATION

Orlando, FL 32806

9Years experience

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Southern New Hampshire University - Master's degree, Communication and Media Studies Degree University of Central Florida - Bachelor of Science - BS, Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Cert Cycle Instructor Certification

Her Story

About Ashley

Ashley Edwards, M.A., is a creative strategist, storyteller, and marketing leader with a passion for shaping how stories are told and experienced. Currently serving as Director of Creative Strategy at UNATION, she leads the development of innovative campaigns, branded content, and audience engagement initiatives that connect businesses and communities across Florida and beyond. With more than seven years of experience spanning entertainment marketing, content production, digital strategy, and experiential media, Ashley specializes in creating narrative-driven campaigns that foster authentic audience connections.

Ashley’s journey began in the entertainment industry, where she performed at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. As a dancer, performer, actress, and singer, she developed a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling and the unique ways audiences connect with meaningful experiences. Recognizing her passion for communications and creative media, she transitioned into marketing, earning a Master of Arts in Communication and Media Studies while building a successful career helping brands tell compelling stories through digital content, social media, and strategic campaigns.

Known for her creativity, leadership, and ability to blend strategy with emotion, Ashley has built a reputation for transforming ideas into impactful experiences. From appearing regularly on Fox 35 Orlando to leading statewide content teams and advising businesses on brand storytelling, she is driven by a belief that great stories have the power to inspire, connect, and create lasting impact. Her work continues to sit at the intersection of entertainment, culture, and community, helping organizations bring their stories to life in ways that resonate with audiences long after the moment has passed.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Ashley

01What do you attribute your success to?

Honestly, it's my attitude and my determination. I'm someone who could go for a run at 3 p.m. in 95 degree heat, or I could sacrifice my sleep a little bit, get up at 5 AM, and get what I need to get done when I need to get it done. It's a can-do attitude mixed with my positivity. I really try to go into every situation with a positive mindset of how is this going to be the best? How am I going to learn from this? How can I spend this day to be the better day? Sky's the limit. I also think my biggest accomplishment is achieving what I set my mind to. I have crazy goals and people will look at me and say that's crazy, and then I go and I achieve it. I ran a marathon last year after just starting running 5 years ago. Anything that I set my mind to and said this seems like a crazy adventure, I'm just gonna say yes, I'm gonna see it through, and make the most of this experience. It really honed in on me when I was about 18 that if I'm gonna do it, it's gonna be me. You're not really going to get a lot of help, you just gotta put your mind to it, put your head down, and get focused, and get to work.

02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The first one that comes to my head is honesty and transparency. I am someone who loves context in situations, so in being a leader, I always bring forth my transparency first. If there's decisions that are being made, I want to let people know why, because as someone, I like to know the why behind things. Giving a sense of context creates a feeling of understanding, and when you have that honest and transparent conversation, it also builds trust. That's definitely my number one thing. It also goes back to positivity. I can tell you the same news and I can do it with a smile on my face or a frown, and I can guarantee you someone's going to react better with a smile on the face. The way that you convey the same message, it's leading with kindness, leading with warmth, and knowing at the end of the day we all have the same goal. I'm also big in lifestyle balance. Work hard, play hard.

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