Ash's passion for equality began during her MBA at Loughborough, where she achieved a Distinction and was awarded the Top Student Prize in her cohort. Her dissertation, supervised by Professor Ian Hodgkinson, explored workplace gender inequality – an area shaped both by her academic interests in marketing and human resource management and by her experience as a project manager.
She said: “I wanted my dissertation to be something meaningful that I could carry forward. It wasn’t just a research project, but a way to contribute to creating fairer organisational cultures where everyone can thrive.
“I am immensely grateful to my supervisor, Ian, who has been a guiding light throughout the project and beyond. His passion for the cause and his experience acted as a catalyst, pushing me to improve at every stage. I’m truly glad to have found an ally in him. I am also deeply thankful to Cheryl Travers, who has been my greatest cheerleader, helping me build self-awareness while keeping me grounded.
“I came to Loughborough University to pursue my dream of higher education and career growth, but I’m leaving with something far greater – the shared dream of millions of women for equality in workplaces and access to education.”
Growing up, she faced cultural expectations that discouraged women from investing in higher education. With strong support from her father and late grandmother, she pursued her MBA with determination. She added:
“My grandmother believed deeply in education as a path to independence for women. That mindset guided my entire journey.”
Ash’s commitment to equality led her to UN Women UK during her placement year. After attending the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), the UN’s largest annual gathering on gender equality, she began volunteering as a digital participant.
She has returned for CSW70, contributing to discussions on access to justice, economic rights, and the persistent obstacles women face globally. “CSW brings together voices from governments, NGOs, and communities,” she says. “It’s a space where momentum for real change is built.”
This year’s IWD theme, Give to Gain, resonates strongly with Ash’s beliefs:
“Every woman I meet inspires me. International Women’s Day is a reminder that change doesn’t only happen in policies – it happens in everyday advocacy and conversations.”
Alongside her UN work, Ash participates in pageantry, though she is clear that her advocacy comes first. Her involvement in contests such as Galaxy UK and Pageant Girl UK serves as an additional platform to amplify her message on workplace equality. “Pageantry is a vehicle,” she says. “UN Women gives my advocacy direction and purpose.”
She is launching her own platform, Being Beyond Beautiful, on International Women’s Day. Focusing on confidence, courage, and compassion, it aims to highlight the stories of women who have shown strength and leadership across their lives.
Ash added: “My aim is to inspire other women and younger generations to make difficult yet strong decisions for themselves, so they can grow into more confident and fulfilled individuals.
“The focus is on inner beauty, encouraging women to feel comfortable in their own skin, to lead with courage, and to practice compassion in everything they do.
“My true motivation is advancing my dissertation research and becoming a better version of myself. Through this representation, I look forward to inspiring women to step out of their shells and take actions for themselves and for others. If I can inspire even one woman along this journey, it will mean more to me than any crown.”
We look forward to seeing Ash’s journey continue!