If you knew Ashley, like I know Ashley you would know that… Ashley Figueroa is an open and proud Latina American transgender woman.
The day that I met Ashley, I knew that she was a force to be reckoned with. Almost instantly, I knew that she was kind, compassionate, and intelligent and had a great sense of humor. Her compassion for others is what really makes her stand out. Because of her displayed strong leadership abilities, she was a natural fit for Bliss Cares.
Ashley was hired as a community liaison where she was responsible for implementing the TRANSformation Program, a seven-part lifestyle education series geared toward the transgender community. Today, Ashley is still involved with the TRANSformation group, attending all the sessions and even attends name change court hearings with our group members who graduate from the program. She knows that the name change process is nerve racking as well as emotional and wants to be there to offer her love and support. That’s our Ashley!
Ashley was quickly promoted to project manager, working on special projects for the agency. In July she danced her heart out as a backup dancer to our executive director, Juan Rodriguez at our Sweet Dreams fundraiser. She was also an integral part of the Sweet Dreams Volunteer planning committee, helping the agency raise over $72,000 for emergency housing for the transgender community.
If you know Ashley, you know that anything she does, she does is with class, style and passion. It is obvious that her desire to help the community is extremely important to her. Ashley serves as a board member for various agencies throughout Central Florida and is a voice and champion for equality. I was not surprised when she was recently honored by Equality Florida, receiving the Voice of Equality Award at their 2019 Greater Orlando Gala.
While Ashley loves her Central Florida community, and is always out and about making a positive impact in the community, her true love is her fiancé, Robert and their son Aiden as well as her loving and supportive family.
I am thrilled to call Ashley my friend and team member at Bliss Cares. I am proud of her and all of her accomplishments.
If you do not know Ashley, you should. She will light up your life.
