Advocating for Others
By Michelle Vasquez | Photography by Suzanne Pack
Ashley Goforth, a junior at the University of Texas at Austin, exudes a remarkable level of poise and self-assurance, but this was not always the case. Her journey is a testament to resilience, confidence, and an unwavering drive to push beyond perceived limitations, significantly shaped by her experience with dyslexia.
Diagnosed with dyslexia in third grade, Ashley faced significant challenges in her education and self-confidence. While her friends attended gifted and talented classes, she was in a special class for dyslexia, which made her feel isolated. “I thought I couldn’t be as smart as my peers and that I was never going to do as well as them,” she recalls.
Her turning point came in middle school when her brother encouraged her to take advanced classes. Initially hesitant, Ashley excelled in these challenging courses, discovering her untapped potential. “I don’t think I would have done well unless I was pushed outside my comfort zone,” she reflects. Her brother’s encouragement to “go for it” was crucial, inspiring her to pursue new heights of achievement.
In high school, Ashley’s diligence paid off. She was in the top 6% of her class, a revelation that significantly boosted her confidence. She joined cross country and participated in a business incubator program, where she helped create “Gifting Back,” a nonprofit that monetizes donated unused and unwanted gift cards to support local charities combating food insecurity. This experience pushed her to try things she had been intimidated by, particularly public speaking and solidified her interest in business while igniting a competitive spirit.
Ashley majors in public relations at UT Austin with a minor in business. She is active as part of the Potential Member Outreach Committee for the Alpha Phi sorority and Co-director of UT Student Government’s Disabilities Inclusion Agency. Ashley’s commitment to disability advocacy is unwavering and began in high school as Vice President of the Unified Club. “I loved Unified because our goal was to include all high school students, regardless of disability, in activities, such as football games and after-school socializing. We even started a Unified Track Team.”
Her current goals are “Increasing awareness and acceptance of the disabled community, providing community and safe spaces for disabled students, and influencing university legislation for better accessibility.” Her own experiences with dyslexia have shaped how she sees and engages with the world, and she wants to make a difference in her community through advocacy.
Additionally, she has been selected as a University of Texas College Scholar, an honor given to those with 60 credit hours or more and the highest GPAs in each college across campus. She is involved with Texas Young Life, Reformed University Fellowship, and Women Communicators of Austin.
Ashley has landed prestigious internships with the H.E. Butt Foundation and H-E-B Own Brand, where she investigates opportunities for brand growth. She credits her family for her drive and values. “They always encouraged me to be the best version of myself and try my best without comparing myself to others,” she says.
Her mother, a military spouse who recently started a college admission consulting business, inspires Ashley with her resilience and pursuit of dreams. Her father’s emphasis on hard work and her brother’s role modeling have also been significant influences. Ashley is also quick to acknowledge her supervisor and mentors at H-E-B, who have been incredibly supportive throughout her internship.
Looking ahead, Ashley plans to study in Barcelona, Spain, this spring, intern in LA or New York, and eventually work for a PR firm. She is eager to challenge herself and embrace new opportunities. “I’m only 20 years old; the world is my oyster,” she confidently states, expressing excitement about the endless possibilities ahead.
Ashley’s story is one of overcoming adversity and striving for excellence. Her experiences with dyslexia, coupled with the support of her family, have shaped her into a determined and compassionate individual poised for future success.
One Response
A very nice and inspirational story, Michelle! Such casting of women as leaders and advocates helps all women realize how important it is to leave their mark on and lift up their communities.
Nancy Shaw