Book Ashley as Your Next Speaker!
Ashley Bendiksen is an acclaimed speaker, award-winning activist, survivor, and subject matter expert in domestic violence, sexual assault, and resilience. Ashley's powerful presentations have reached global audiences - from the U.S. Army to first responders, workplaces, entrepreneurs, professionals, and corporate events. She is also the Founder of the Blue Hearts Project, a global storytelling platform for survivors.
ASHLEY HAS WORKED WITH CLIENTS SUCH AS
MOST REQUESTED
- Domestic and Sexual Violence Organizations
- Victim Services Professionals
- Law Enforcement and First Responders
- Military Branches
- Major Conferences and Fundraising Events
- Corporate and Workplace Wellness Trainings
Signature Keynotes and Presentations
NONPROFIT GALAS AND FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Ashley Bendiksen has a rare talent for compelling audiences to take action. As a survivor, activist, experienced speaker, and subject matter expert, Ashley helps audiences connect with the issues and understand the impact of their contributions. Her heartbreaking yet deeply inspiring story builds connection, optimism, and hope, while her advocacy work is proof that prevention and change are possible. With an added background in nonprofit leadership and a track record of raising over $5 million for dozens of charities, Ashley is guaranteed to make an impact for your organization.
If you’re seeking a dynamic and memorable speaker that moves your audience plus engages them to invest and take action, Ashley is your speaker. Keynotes will be customized to your organization’s mission and specific event goals and include the following outcomes.
"Ashley Bendiksen was everything we wanted in a keynote speaker for our nonprofit’s fundraiser. She’s a topical expert on relationship abuse prevention and brought the perfect mix of authenticity, humor, and seriousness. Ashley left our guests deeply inspired to support our work and mission, and we raised $408,000." — One Love Foundation
- Ashley’s deeply moving story as a former at-risk youth and survivor of domestic violence, teen dating violence, sexual assault, and complex trauma
- The pressing need and life-saving impact of organizational work, as evidenced by Ashley’s decade of leadership in the field
- Pertinent supporting facts, reflection, and dialogue-inducing questions for your audience
- A direct call to action by Ashley to invest in your mission and work, emphasizing how your organization is a catalyst for change
CORPORATE AND WORKPLACE WELLNESS
In the U.S., domestic violence impacts 1 in 3 women and 1 in 9 men. This issue, often associated with home life, has direct consequences in the workplace. Research demonstrates losses in productivity, heightened anxiety, frequent tardiness and time off, lower morale, and significant risks for employers. In addition, domestic violence also harms employees’ mental health, emotional wellbeing, and physical safety. Addressing abuse and relationships is crucial for supporting employee wellness. This powerful presentation increases awareness, provides practical advice for individuals and those around them, as well as equips workplaces to foster a culture of support.
- Contextualize the issue through Ashley’s story as a survivor, plus other survivor accounts
- Education on domestic violence: prevalence, types, and consequences
- Top red flags to spot the symptoms and warning signs of abuse
- How to seek help and/or offer support to others
- Workplace best practices to alleviate risks + strengthen wellness and culture domestic violence speaker
FIRST RESPONDERS & SERVICE PROVIDERS
In the aftermath of trauma, the pivotal role of first responders and victim services professionals can’t be overstated. These interactions provide the foundation for a survivor’s journey and determine that survivor’s path. This transformative session equips attendees with more than just knowledge. It unfolds the complexities of abuse and teaches best practices to address what survivors need most. Through real-life examples, evidence-backed research, and group dialogue, participants learn how to effectively guide survivors towards reclaiming their power and self-advocacy, essential elements at the core of healing. It also leaves an indelible and lasting mark on one’s approach to victim advocacy.
- Understanding of the unique core wounds of abuse and common barriers to healing
- Differences between trauma-informed care and traditional care supports
- Specific ways to be trauma-informed in one’s work with abuse survivors
- Invoking empowerment-based "coaching" strategies to promote survivor agency
- Practical tools, from interactions to language, to provide aligned support to survivors
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Leadership
- Founder, Blue Hearts Project - a global storytelling platform for survivors
- Testimony, MA Bill Mandating Employment Protections For Victims of Abuse
- Conference Speaker - NOVA (National Office of Victims Assistance), CESE (National Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation)
- Survivor in 8x Award-Winning Documentary, Notoriety Network's #SHEROProject
- Miss Rhode Island 2021, Platform to Raise Domestic Violence
- Board of Directors, Women's Resource Center
- Military Training Partner, Difference Makers #10Strong
- Featured SHERO for Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global Magazine
- #TakeThePowerBack Ambassador, Mahendra Singh Foundation
Education & Training
- Valedictorian, Salve Regina University, B.A. in Administration of Justice
- Massachusetts Victim Assistance Academy
- Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance Continuing Education
- Trained Rape Crises and Domestic Violence Responder
- Certified Facilitator, Safe Dates: A Teen Dating Violence Prevention Curriculum
- Trained in Green Dot and Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) bystander prevention
Field Experience
- Military Sexual Assault Prevention Trainer
- Campus Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Victim Advocate
- Bystander Intervention Trainer for College Athletes
- District Court Victim Witness Advocate
- Executive Assistant and Press Assistant to the District Attorney
- Boston Celtics White Ribbon Campaign Co-organizer
- Facilitator, Safe Dates: Teen Dating Violence Prevention Curriculum
- White Ribbon Campaign, It's On Us Facilitator
- Community Education and Outreach Coordinator
- Superior Court Domestic Violence/Homicide Paralegal Intern
Watch and Listen...
