25 Women for 2024: Ashley Leland finds purpose paving way for others
When Ashley Leland’s daughter Lekayla nominated her mother to be one of Tallahassee’s 25 Women to Know, she was unwittingly following in her footsteps. “Relentless dedication,” “true definition of selfless love,” and “caring advocate” are accurate descriptions of a woman who lifts up others as she strives to climb her own mountain.
Leland sees it much more humbly. “I’m just what I needed during my most vulnerable season of life,” she says. As a single mother raising three daughters, working multiple jobs while attending FAMU, Ashley could rightfully be in the line of people she serves.
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Instead, she brought her family to the Kearney Center on Saturdays to serve meals, help at Second Harvest to prepare and distribute food to families, and was “mom” to anyone who needed her. “I enjoy knowing that I played a positive role in someone’s life,” she says simply.
Born and raised in Tallahassee, Leland has been part of the community through all stages of her life. “Growing up wasn’t always easy,” she says. “Being a teenage mother, having to figure these things out, it could easily be the kind of thing that makes someone give up.”
To help pave the way for others like her, Leland became a Guardian Ad Litem. “The first time I was connected with a family, I knew I was where I was supposed to be. I could love on them, help the young mothers, and be an advocate and a voice for a child who needs one,” she says.
Looking for more ways she could give back, Ashley joined the Leon County Sheriff Citizen Academy.
“I didn’t think I would get in, but there is no harm in at least trying,” Leland said with the wisdom of a mother who knows. “I wanted to learn where the disconnection was between law enforcement and the community. I learned how easy it is to assume things about our Sheriff’s office, and I gained perspective and understanding for what their job entails. Now I encourage everyone to thank our first responders.”
She is motivated by her children, and modeling to them how to serve others. “It’s always been important to me that my daughters know how important it is to give back to the community that has given to them,” Leland said. “I also want them to know that their presence matters, and they have a perspective that can be valuable to someone else.”
Leland’s conviction that representation matters drives her involvement in everything from working in a community garden to picking up litter on the road. “Everyone can do these things!”
The first thing you notice about Ashley is her big smile, as if she is greeting an old friend. “Sometimes just being there can make someone else’s day better,” Leland said. She serves on the board of directors for Brehon Family Services, spreading the word about services available to young families who are struggling and hosting donations for diapers and baby wipes.
“Being a teen mom and growing up with my children has given me experience that I can use to help others,” Leland said. “If I can show another young woman like me what is possible, it could change the course of her life.”
Leland recently joined the Oasis Center for Women and Girls as an intake counselor, creating a program that provides access to mental health counseling while their children are cared for. “Being able to provide this service means everything to me. I want them to know that they are enough, and they are already doing a great job by seeking help and wanting to improve their lives,” Leland said.
Leland encourages us all to open our hearts and minds to service. “You don’t necessarily have to find time for service,” she said. “Your gift and your purpose will find its way into your life.”
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 25 Women for 2024: Ashley Leland finds purpose playing positive role
