Her Story
About Ashlyn
Ashlyn is a dedicated nonprofit professional committed to driving meaningful impact and creating lasting change throughout the Gulf South. She serves as the Development Manager for South Louisiana at Make-A-Wish® Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana, where she leads strategic fundraising and community engagement efforts across the region. In her role, Ashlyn oversees a wide range of development initiatives, including corporate partnerships, donor stewardship, community outreach and other fundraising efforts. She works closely with local businesses, schools, donors and partners to not only generate resources but also deepen community investment in wish granting. Ashlyn plays a key role in nurturing high-impact relationships that bring together community leaders and supporters while raising critical funds to grant life-changing wishes for children across the state facing critical illness.
She is passionate about connecting individuals and organizations to their powerful and important mission. See believes that helping others see firsthand how their support creates hope, strength and joy for local families is changing the world. Through her daily life, Ashlyn strives to elevate awareness, grow philanthropic efforts and support in her community and ensure that every eligible child in Louisiana has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of a wish. She is deeply committed to expand Make-A-Wish’s presence and impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ashlyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
Ashlyn credits her success to the unwavering support of her loved ones. After many tribulations, including losing her sister to cancer as a young adult, she has relied heavily on family and close friends to navigate grief while continuing her education and starting her career. She believes that her strong support system was the difference between being defined by her hardships or rising above it - allowing her to successfully finish both undergrad and graduate school as well as reach her professional goals. She would like to give special thanks to her mom, dad and siblings for always believing in her.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“Grow where you are planted.”
Ashlyn believes that regardless of your circumstances, personal or professional, perseverance is always possible. She emphasizes finding meaning, remaining hopeful and focusing on the positive - especially in an emotionally demanding sector such as nonprofits.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Ashlyn encourages women to take risks, pursue their goals without limits and embrace confidence. She views being a woman as a true superpower and believes all women have the ability to define their own paths, shape their own futures and demonstrate their own strength through leadership and authenticity.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Ashlyn notes that the nonprofit space presents both incredible opportunities and emotional challenges. While increased referrals allow more life-changing wishes to be granted, each referral also represents a child facing critical-illness. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the emotional weight of this work while remaining committed to the mission, compassion and wellness of others. She also highlights financial challenges, as wishes cost an average of $15,000 each, requiring significant resources and support.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Outside of work, Ashlyn values quality time with her friends and family. She maintains a close-knit group of friends and prioritizes their meaningful relationships very much. She loves relaxing and enjoying dinner with her family in the comfort of their homes. She is also a proud dog mom to a miniature dachshund, an experience that has deeply rewarding.
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