Ashley Lashley: “Stigmatization is real when you come from an impoverished background or a marginalized community”

^{Ashley Lashley in Panama City for the WYDE | Women’s Leadership Regional Convening. Photo: UN Women/Jose Daniel Espinosa}  

Ashley Lashley lives by her motto: “Let no obstacle be an obstacle.” For her, this means recognizing that challenges are inevitable, but purpose remains the most important. “You must understand what your cause is and how you contribute to society,” she says.

Her advocacy journey began at 16, with a personal observation: “I realized that many of my friends and I were engaging in unhealthy eating practices. My dad told me the Caribbean has a major problem with non-communicable diseases - so I did my research and saw how important public health is, especially for children and youth.”

Ashley’s early volunteer work shaped her commitment to service. “I grew up volunteering in different organizations. I was a Brownie, a Girl Guide, and later Miss World Barbados. One of my key projects was volunteering in the rehabilitation department at our local hospital, working with patients who had undergone amputation. That experience showed me that I wanted to give to the most vulnerable, those from marginalized and stigmatized communities.”

Her passion for justice expanded to include climate and health equity. “At 19, I walked into UNICEF’s office (the start of her engagement with the UN) without a clear plan, just saying, ‘Hi, my name is Ashley, and I have an idea about climate justice and health justice.’ Growing up, I never imagined that at 22, I would be running a nonprofit organization.”

But the road was not easy. “Stigmatization is real when you come from an impoverished background or a marginalized community. People look at where you come from before they give you an opportunity. That’s one of the biggest forms of discrimination.”

Ashley faced additional challenges as she felt that in some instances, leaders held back information or didn’t provide the necessary tools for her to advance. Despite these barriers, Ashley believes in collaboration and mentorship: “Passing down information for generations to come is extremely important. That’s how you build capacity. Every individual, regardless of background or class, deserves mentorship and guidance to reach their goals.”

Her message to young women is clear: “Many young people don’t know where to start. I never know what my next path will be, but I always put my best foot forward. Consistency is key, it drives opportunities. No matter the obstacle, remember your purpose, your destiny, and the mission that propels you every day to wake up and drive the change you want to see.”

Ashley’s journey, from a teenager concerned about health to a global advocate for climate justice and gender equality, shows the power of resilience and vision. “I wanted to be an example and a role model, not only in Barbados but regionally and globally. And I believe that when one door closes, it fuels my passion to prove that I can do what my mind says I can do.”