IN THE PRESS
Ashley Bendiksen is sought after by media professionals for both her powerful survivor story as well as her subject matter expertise on domestic and sexual violence, adolescent mental health, resilience, and healing after abuse.
In addition to her work as a nationally touring speaker and Top Youth Speaker®, Ashley co-founded the Blue Hearts Project, a global storytelling platform for survivors of abuse. She also co-owns Island Youth Coaching, an agency specializing in life coaching for teens and young adults.
With an extended background in writing, journalism, podcasting, and on-screen features, Ashley guarantees quality and impact. She is an accomplished journalist, senior writer, expert contributor, published author, and former editor of two magazines. Her story was also featured in a 12x international award-winning documentary.
Ashley is available for features that highlight:
- Survivor Stories
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
- Teen Dating Violence
- Adolescent Mental Health
- Women's Empowerment
- Resilience and Overcoming Trauma
Newport Neighbors Magazine, Cover Story
12x International Award Winning Documentary
Southcoast Almanac Magazine, Cover Feature
WPRI 12 Eyewitness News, Solo Special Feature
Featured Videos
SELF Magazine: What Is Love Bombing and How Is It Different From Falling In Love? 6 Signs to Watch Out For - Read
Bustle Magazine: 11 Signs Of Financial Abuse In A Relationship - Read
Authority Magazine: Upstanders: How Survivor Turned Activist and Abuse Prevention Expert Ashley Bendiksen Is Standing Up Against Violence, Bigotry, and Hate - Read
The Healthy | Reader's Digest: 12 Things Men Don’t Realize About Domestic Violence - Read
The Healthy | Reader's Digest: 15 Things Most Women Don’t Realize About Domestic Violence -Read
Entrepreneur Magazine: When You Hurt Most, You Grow Most - Read
Notoriety Network: Documentary Film Release, #SHERO Project on Notoriety Network -Read
Arianna Huffington's Thrive Global: #SHEROproject, Ashley Bendiksen's Inspiring Story -Read
Boston Voyager: Boston's Most Inspiring Stories - Meet Ashley Bendiksen -Read
SouthCoast Almanac Magazine: Six Women We Admire, Ashley Bendiksen, Survivor - Read
Crime Junkie: Expert on Domestic Violence
Listen
With Katie Koestner (1991 TIME Cover)
Listen
Healthy Relationships For Students
Listen
Unhealthy Student Relationships
Listen
Behind The Heart Emoji: Hidden Risks of Teen Dating with Ashley Bendiksen - The Whole Stepfamily Podcast | Listen
Don’t Ignore the Red Flags of a Toxic Relationship - Masks Off For People-Pleasers & Perfectionists | Listen
What Every Teacher Needs to Know About Teen Dating Abuse - 10 Minute Teacher Podcast | Listen
Ashley Bendiksen on Healing From Sexual Abuse Through Advocacy - En(gendered) Podcast | Listen
Ashley Bendiksen on Turning Tragedy Into Triumph - The Creative Capital Show | Listen
From Victim to Survivor: Being Aware of the Red Flags for an Abusive Relationship - The Goodness Chick Podcast | Listen
The Mend with Ashley Bendiksen - Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services Podcast | Listen
Take Back Your Power with Ashley Bendiksen - Unbroken Podcast | Listen
Oscar Special 2018, Reviewing The Bechdel Test - Voices of Women Show | Watch
Balancing Life as a Young Carer - Happy Healthy Caregiver Podcast | Listen
Note from Ashley: I am so incredibly proud of the work I've done for my local community, but am even more humbled by all of the support I've received. This list is just a small glimpse into that. And yes - you'll find some fun facts buried within... like how I studied abroad, was a vegan health coach, and owned a theatre company!
SouthCoast Today: Ashley Bendiksen shares experience with mother's early Alzheimer's in new memoir - Read
Salve Today: Ashley Bendiksen ’13, publishes memoir about Alzheimer’s disease - Read
Newport Resident Crowned Miss Rhode Island to Compete in National Pageant in Las Vegas - Read
Former Miss New Bedford Launches Website for Domestic Abuse Survivors - SouthCoast Today - Read
Domestic Abuse Survivor, Speaker Educates Dartmouth High Students - Dartmouth Week - Read
Dartmouth Students Change the Game on Violence and Harassment - The Standard Times - Read
Six Women We Admire, Ashley Bendiksen, Survivor - SouthCoast Almanac, 2016 Magazine Issue - Read
SouthCoast Five: Young Professionals Honored For Their Leadership, Service - SouthCoast Today - Read
YouthBuild Students Pledge to End Violence Against Women at Fall River Event - The Herald News - Read
SouthCoast's Men and Women of The Year - SouthCoast Today - Read
New Theater Group Rallies for Fight Against Alzheimer's Disease - SouthCoast Today - Read
Newly Launched Theater Group Aims to Serve Area Charities - SouthCoast Today - Read
Telling Her Story of Domestic Violence to Save Other Women - The Enterprise News - Read
Survivors, SSTAR, Shed Light on Domestic Violence - The Herald News - Read
The Definition of Success: Ashley Bendiksen '13 Emphasizes Character and Education in Her Valedictory Address - Report From Newport - Read (page 10)
An Unexpected Journey, Former Miss New Bedford Overcomes Struggles to Become College Valedictorian - SouthCoast Today - Read
When It Comes to Eating Healthy, Former Miss New Bedford Says Meal Prep is Key to Success - The Herald News - Read
Q&A: Health Coach Ashley Bendiksen Shares Secrets to Eating Healthy, Staying Motivated - The Herald News - Read
Local Students Return From Study Abroad Trip to Argentina - New Bedford Guide - Read
Salve Student, Ashley Bendiksen, Promotes Ending Domestic Violence - Report From Newport - Read
Miss New Bedford Crowned - SouthCoast Today - Read
Sample journalism work.
Domestic violence occurs in every Rhode Island city and town. Survivors share their stories as advocates work for safety and prevention. - Ocean State Stories | Read
Nonprofit Journalistic Features on: Newport Health Equity Zone, Aquidneck Community Table, International Tennis Hall of Fame, IRYS Maritime Library, Sail Newport, Sail to Prevail, Aquidneck Land Trust, Conexion Latina Newport, Bike Newport, Edward King House, Fort Adams Trust, Gnome Surf, Innovate Newport, Island Moving Company, Looking Upwards, Lucy's Hearth, Newport Classical, Newport Community Schools, Newport Mental Health, Newport Partnership for Families, Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, Newport OUT, Newport Pride, Sankofa Community Connection, Newport St. Patrick's Day Parade, and many others.
Special Events Coverage and Journalism on: Audrain Concours Motor Week, Newport Folk Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Newport Mansions Food and Wine Festival, Courting Fashion at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Induction Weekend at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport Classical Music Festival, The Nutcracker at Rosecliff, Walker Stalker Con, and many others.
Instagram:
8,500
LinkedIn:
13,000+
Facebook:
8,000+
Email List:
3,000
Promotional Network:
Huge
Press Inquiry or Interview Request?
Seeking inspirational + informational content for your audience? Expert commentary on a story or issue? Reach out to engage Ashley as a guest, expert, or writer. Our promise: powerful, practical, proofed, professional, punctual.
- Survivor Stories
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
- Teen Dating Violence
- Adolescent Mental Health
- Women's Empowerment
- Resilience and Overcoming Trauma