Since her first National Keynote at age 14, Ashley Rhodes-Courter has shared her story with thousands in the United States and in over 7 countries.

Ashley Rhodes-Courter, MSW, is the quintessential American success story.  Born in 1985 to a single teen mother, by the age of 3 she was in Florida’s foster care system where she spent almost ten years being shuttled between 14 homes—some quite abusive—before being adopted from a Children’s Home at the age of twelve.

Despite her ordeal, she excelled in school because she believed that, “my education was the one thing nobody could take from me.”  Early in her life she felt compelled to advocate for herself and the other children she lived with, particularly in the abusive foster homes.

Her efforts and academic achievements landed her Eckerd College’s Trustee Scholarship where she graduated with honors and ahead of schedule earning a double major in Communications and Theater and a double minor in Political Science and Psychology.  Ashley then went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California.

During her undergraduate studies, she was one of 20 college students selected for the USA Today All-USA Academic Team and was named one of GLAMOUR Magazine’s Top Ten College Women.  She was also selected as one of the four Golden BR!CK Award winners for outstanding advocacy for community change by DoSomething!. As part of their campaign, she was featured on 25 million bags of Cool Ranch Doritos.

By the age of 22, Ashley had become a New York Times Bestselling Author. Her first book, “Three Little Words” is now an International Bestseller and has been published in at least 4 countries. Her second book, “Three More Words” debuted at #1 on Amazon Bestseller’s List. Both books are used in classrooms across the country in various community and First Year Experience Collegiate programs.

Ashley has received State, local, and National awards for her speaking, advocacy, and philanthropy. She has spoken on Capitol Hill and has been invited to the White House twice. “Three Little Words” is now being made into a major motion picture.

PUBLIC SPEAKER

Ashley travels the country and globe addressing businesses, schools, colleges, and groups that work with children, women, and families. Her powerful story of resilience, philanthropy, and overcoming hardships resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

AUTHOR

New York Times and International Bestselling Author of THREE LITTLE WORDS and THREE MORE WORDS. Ashley has also written for and represented a variety of prestigious magazines, blogs, and organizations.

CHILD WELFARE ADVOCATE

After spending nearly a decade of her life being bounced around and abused in foster care, Ashley went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Social Work and become a foster and adoptive parent herself.
MOTHER
After being the foster parent to more than 20 children, Ashley has a unique perspective on parenting, life, and the power of love. She and her husband are the proud parents to two biological children, and one incredibly special kiddo adopted from foster care.

DREAMER

Because she kept seeing huge service gaps and unmet needs in her community, Ashley founded The Foundation for Sustainable Families, a non-profit dedicated to serving children, women, teens, and families.
PHILANTHROPIST
Ashley has helped raise millions of dollars for child-welfare-related causes. Her riveting, informative, and inspirational story has recruited countless families and volunteers, and she has been able to reengaged workers, professionals, and communities with her optimism, passion, and perseverance.

IN THE MEDIA

Internationally recognized, Ashley has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Nightline, Nancy Grace, ABC Primetime, Montel Williams, and other national media outlets.  She frequently appears in local television and newspaper markets when she travels for her speeches.  She hosted a television program called “Explore Adoption” which was produced by the State of Florida to raise the public’s awareness of foster children in need of loving and permanent homes. This segment won an Emmy in 2009.

ASHLEY’S ACHIEVEMENTS

  • New York Times Magazine publishes Three Little Words Essay
  • Youth Advocate of the Year, North American Council on Adoptable Children
  • Kids to Kids National Service Award, Child Welfare League of America
  • Two Angels in Adoption Awards from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption
  • Eckerd College Trustee Scholarship
  • USA Today All-USA Academic Team
  • Awarded 1 of 4 Golden Brick Awards for Advocacy by DoSomething!
  • Top Ten College Women by Glamour Magazine
  • Graduated with Honors, Eckerd College
  • Three Little Words memoir becomes New York Times & International Bestseller
  • Featured on Good Morning American with Diane Sawyer
  • Ambassador, Levi’s Shape What’s To Come Campaign
  • Master’s Degree in Social Work, University of Southern California
  • International Woman of the Year, St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce
  • Named Community Hero from Tampa Bay Lightning NHL team
  • Ran for Florida State Senate at age 26
  • Three More Words published in 2015
  • 2018 Top 100 Women that Inspire Us Award Winner