Ashley Thomas is the Founder and Executive Director of The Hive Community Circle, a South Carolina-based survivor-network committed to preventing relationship and sexual abuse for young women and teen girls of color.As a lifelong advocate for the voiceless and survivor of sexual abuse, Ashley draws from her own experience, in addition to her academic and professional background, to help other survivors reclaim their mental health, self-worth, and sense of autonomy in their lives. In a society that often ignores, misrepresents, or otherwise devalues their shared experience,Ashley stands as a staunch advocate for women and girls of color who are less likely to be supported through the trauma of sexual abuse or relationship violence. With a natural skill for problem-solving, developing fresh ideas, and mobilizing people and resources to effect positive change.

Ashley earned her B.A. in Psychology from Columbia College and a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Washington. She is active in her community, notably serving as a member of the University of South Carolina’s Women and Gender Studies Council and other organizations committed to ending gender-based violence.

Ashley is the proud Army Spouse of Major Curtis A. Thomas and mother to three beautiful, charismatic children: Corinne Elizabeth, Caleb Josiah, and Collin Noah.