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INSPIRING AUDIENCES
around the world

Ashley Maria
  • DGA Award-winning, Emmy-nominated Director and Producer
  • Founder of Ashley Maria Productions, LLC
  • Awarded the Associated Press Robert R. Eunson Distinguished Lecturer Award

Ashley is a presenter who employs a story-driven approach, combining excerpts from her films with personal insights to engage and encourage audiences. – Bio

Want Ashley to speak at your next event?

Ashley Maria at SXSW

Tap into the power of film

Ashley’s keynote and break-out session topics are outlined below; however, these can be tailored to align with your event objectives and reflect your distinct vision.

Super Human Anxiety

TOPICS: Ambition | Resilience | Personal Narrative Storytelling

PIONEERS IN SKIRTS movie convo topics

SPEAKER OPTIONS:

  • Ashley Maria
  • Ashley Maria & Lea-Ann W. Berst (daughter/mother filmmaking team!)

Topic 1: What we learned when we peeled back the layers of obstacles that can limit a woman or girl’s pioneering ambition.

Topic 2: Empowering the next generation.

Topic 3: Owning your ambition: overcoming doubt and securing your seat at the table.

SUPER HUMAN ANXIETY movie convo topics

Topic 1: Building resilience in the midst of high anxiety

Topic 2: Reframing vulnerability: using personal struggles to build, rather than break, personal power

Topic 3: Self-compassion as a tool: shifting from self-criticism to self-care

FINDING YOUR INNER PIONEER career symposium (ages 12-14 & 15-18)

An interactive career development program

Facilitated by the director and producer of Pioneers in Skirts, the program is intended for students aged 12-14 and 15-18. It begins with a viewing of the film, followed by a structured session focused on ambition.

“Finding Your Inner Pioneer” can be used as a standalone session or within broader career units. Younger students leave inspired, while older students gain focus and a realistic view of establishing and growing a career.

worksheet image

Through visual slides, open dialogue, and the Pioneering Path worksheet, Ashley and Lea-Ann provide strategies for addressing biased perceptions and confronting detractors, while emphasizing essential elements necessary for individuals to proactively navigate their own professional journeys.

Online training sessions range from 1 hour to 2.5 hours w/breaks!

Ultimately, participants learn that meaningful goals are those that reflect personal values and priorities. By individualizing these objectives, individuals are motivated to persist in the pursuit of their ambitions.

Supplies Needed:

  • A computer with a camera, mic, and Internet connection
  • Printer (for printing the worksheet)
  • Pen or marker, any color  

Michelle Proctor

Humor & Compassion

Hired by SAS for a keynote and then a few years later for a fireside chat -- Ashley shared her experience as a filmmaker who uses storytelling to unpack contemporary social issues. She also used a blend of humor and compassion to deliver on a message that was well-received and talked about long after the presentation had ended.

Snehal Bhakta

Inspiring

Ashley provided students and educators with a diverse perspective and experience outside a person's current view. She inspired everyone to self-reflect and take action!

Danielle Mazzaro

Highlight Of Our Event

Ashley Maria was the highlight of BD's International Women's Day event! As part of a panel with our leadership team, she led a thought-provoking conversation and navigated challenging topics without judgement and with respect. The conversation inspired countless associates and has left positive ripple effects throughout our company!

Michelle Proctor

Humor & Compassion

Hired by SAS for a keynote and then a few years later for a fireside chat -- Ashley shared her experience as a filmmaker who uses storytelling to unpack contemporary social issues. She also used a blend of humor and compassion to deliver on a message that was well-received and talked about long after the presentation had ended.

Snehal Bhakta

Inspiring

Ashley provided students and educators with a diverse perspective and experience outside a person's current view. She inspired everyone to self-reflect and take action!

Danielle Mazzaro

Highlight Of Our Event

Ashley Maria was the highlight of BD's International Women's Day event! As part of a panel with our leadership team, she led a thought-provoking conversation and navigated challenging topics without judgement and with respect. The conversation inspired countless associates and has left positive ripple effects throughout our company!