Meet Dara Ashley | Founder of The Dara Ashley Foundation | Philanthropist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dara Ashley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dara, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Ever since college, I have told myself to celebrate the small victories. This is a life quote that I live by every day. American culture is very fixated on career success, but we often do not stop to embrace the necessary steps we have taken to get to where we are. For example, suppose your goal is to be a doctor. In that case, you should celebrate completing the application process, taking the MCAT, having your first medical school interview, and much more instead of only celebrating the fact that you have now become a doctor. I believe that celebrating the small victories allows individuals to be grateful for the journey and acknowledge what it took to get to the top.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the Founder & Executive Director of The Dara Ashley Foundation. We are a non-profit organization targeting minority college students to provide them with scholarships, mentorship, and leadership sessions to help cultivate the next generation of leaders. Our mission is to create a lasting impact with new opportunities,

The steps in which it took to start my foundation were not an easy road. Many mistakes were made and lessons learned, but overcoming challenges is all in your support. I can honestly say my family and the executive team have contributed tremendously to the organization’s success. When I started the organization, I was utterly carrying the load alone, which was quite overwhelming. I did not begin to see growth and success in my organization until I asked for help. There is power in numbers.

I want people to know that Dara Ashley is a young, ambitious woman seeking to impact and influence young people’s lives because, once before, many people did that for her.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have had the privilege to have so many amazing people pour into my life, but the most influential person in my life has to be my mother. Let’s talk about how amazing of a woman she is. My mother, also known as Dr.Iris, is the perfect balance between a career woman, a mother, a woman of faith, and an active community leader. She has worn many hats in my life, from confidant to mentor. She has supported me in all of my endeavors and trials in life. Dr.Iris has a doctorate in the leadership of education. People will come and go in your life, but the ones who are consistent will always have a place in my life, and my mother is the most consistent person I know,

Website: https://www.thedaraashleyfoundation.org/

Instagram: @darashley_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dara-freemon/

Twitter: @dafoundation_

Facebook: @thedarashleyfoundation

Youtube: https://youtu.be/LMABOQubFlI

Image Credits
(Image with me and green suit vest) Essence Festival with the McDonald’s Future 22 (I am in a white skirt with a Howard crewneck shirt on )Howard University Graduate BS in Biology Class of ’19 (2 pictures, 1 with me screaming like the tiger, 1 with me throwing up my graduation cap)Towson University Graduate MS in Biological Research Class of ’21 The Dara Ashley Foundation Logo (Picture with me in black pants smiling at the event host) Dara Ashley hosting her Networking Mixer Event in Houston Texas