Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Ewald
Hi Ashleigh , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The first four years of my life were spent in an orphanage, waiting to either grow out or find a home. I was adopted at age four and then again at the age of seven. In between those times, I underwent multiple foster homes where I had experienced false hope of finding a permanent home. That would change at the age of seven when I finally found my home and I would not be the person I am today without my family. Due to being behind my peers in elementary school, I did not become a straight As student until I reached middle school, where I harnessed education as a tool to make something out of myself. The teachers I had throughout my middle and high school life, especially my history teachers, had significantly helped me discover my passion for politics and helped me recognize my potential to make a difference in people’s lives. Since the eighth grade in 2017, I have been involved in school grounds and outside activities, such as paging at the state capitol, campaigning, and writing op-eds. Then, in college, I kept my passion for helping people and put that passion into initiatives that help bring my community together. I refused to be a victim of my own story and decided to change course to become more than my early upbringing. Therefore, I am here today because of my incredible and fortunate adoption story. It is something I am proud of and not something that I hide.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not, but that does not mean I allowed my struggles to stop me. My struggles date back to my early childhood; my persistence has overcome them. My previous situation was my character and competence being challenged by baseless claims only to be proven wrong with evidence and concrete actions. I have shown results to the greatest extent that prove that I am a person of my word and that I was the one who was the community’s uniter. My recent obstacle was myself. It was me being too naive and trusting only to have learned that there will be those who come across as being full of admiration at first only to befriend you because they like the attention they receive being around highly successful women brings them and do so to find ways to poke at your character to exploit them.
Truth always comes out, and I have been preaching that since I was a kid. My great influential friend announced to me that it was clear that my community respects and sees that I have left a legacy that cannot be undone.
One day, this horrible moment in my life will be a chapter in my literal book. My challenges taught me to keep doing right by people. That does not mean you have to forgive. I learned that there is a difference between forgiving those who messed up and did not know what they were doing. That is forgivable, but actively scheming to pit individuals against them showed that not everyone is your friend. And to scheme with malicious intent is unforgivable. It’s personal when the reasons are baseless without evidence.
Karma does not fail and awaits everyone who intentionally hurt others because they feel incompetent or inadequate but do not know how to learn from those who are where they wish to be. Fortunately, my well-educated parents have raised and taught me to be kind and truthful. Practicing humility and kindness is what guided me to where I am now. In that same breath, I highly encourage people not to allow their circumstances to define them. Be the ones who make something out of themselves while uplifting people and empowering them to become their best selves. Do not be a bystander because when history is written, those who stand up for what is right will win in the long run. I am blessed that my recent scaring challenge is fixed into pages and that the impact I have made cannot be erased. The challenges made me more stronger and powerful. This is my story, and I am the survivor who became victor. Winners write history.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Voters of Tomorrow is a nonpartisan and nonprofit Gen Z-led organization with state chapters across America, and its goal is to empower young people so they can have a seat at the decision-making table. Voters of Tomorrow organization uniquely differs from other organizations because we get things done and are solely Gen Z-led. My Georgia chapter has led events in partnership with organizations such as March For Our Lives, Change The Ref, and much more to address issues like gun violence. Our recent work was hosting a series of Gen Z candidates tours on college campuses to spread awareness about Gen Z candidates running in local elections to young people. Hence, they know they have a chance to elect our regeneration to Georgia’s House of Representatives. We hosted both Gen Z candidates, Bryce Berry, who will likely become Georgia’s youngest member elected into the state house of representatives, and Ashwin Ramaswami, the first Indian-American candidate to run for Georgia state senate. That is a small glimpse of the work we have done. But we are not stopping there. We are establishing two initiatives to ensure that every eligible American young voter casts their vote in November so Georgia’s young people can turn out. These initiatives are to be announced once everything is solidified. This organization is open to all who want to uplift and unite our Generation Z to make a difference that helps people.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes, I learned that I needed to make the most of what I had and experience the entire power of technology. I struggled with the lack of physical connection. However, by harnessing social media and discovering my hobby of writing articles and podcasting, I was able to share my experiences with the world and become a published writer to help those who may have gone through similar challenges not to give up. The COVID-19 crisis taught me to become more empathetic and compassionate because it exposed a lot of inequality among different communities, such as the digital divide. I also learned the importance of leadership within the country’s highest office and its power to unite or divide people. Along the way, I also learned during the pandemic that pointing fingers does not resolve anything and that we all can do better than that. We are better than that. To shift blame is by temporarily doing something with that frustration and anger. In reality, working together collectively to stop the spread to get back to normal requires putting aside self-focused thinking and seeing the bigger picture.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ashleighewaldofficial
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleighewaldofficial/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ashleighsewald
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AshleighEwaldpodcast
Image Credits
Ashleigh Ewald and Voters of Tomorrow Georgia Team
