Invite Us To Speak
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?
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.
TOPICS: Ambition | Resilience | Personal Narrative Storytelling
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.
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
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.
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
Testimonials
"full of 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.
"inspiring & unique"
Ashley provided both students and educators at the 5th largest school district in the country, Clark County School District (Nevada) with a unique and diverse perspective outside a person's current view. Along with the tools her team provides for the audience to be able to better connect with the topic, she inspired everyone to self-reflect and take action!
"the highlight of our event"
Ashley Maria & Lea-Ann were the highlight of BD's International Women's Day event! As part of a panel with our leadership team, they 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!
"empowering & enlightening"
In March, we celebrated Women’s History Month. As part of our commemoration, Treyarch had the privilege of hosting Ashley Maria, the creator of the impactful documentary film, Pioneers in Skirts, for a Fireside Chat. Ashley shared insights into the film's themes and discussed the motivation behind its creation alongside her mother, the film's producer. The conversation was both empowering and enlightening, sparking a meaningful dialogue among attendees and prompting reflections on their individual roles in addressing gender-related challenges. It was truly inspiring to witness the impact of Pioneers in Skirts and to see firsthand the power of collective dialogue in driving positive change.
"full of 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.
"inspiring & unique"
Ashley provided both students and educators at the 5th largest school district in the country, Clark County School District (Nevada) with a unique and diverse perspective outside a person's current view. Along with the tools her team provides for the audience to be able to better connect with the topic, she inspired everyone to self-reflect and take action!
"the highlight of our event"
Ashley Maria & Lea-Ann were the highlight of BD's International Women's Day event! As part of a panel with our leadership team, they 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!
"empowering & enlightening"
In March, we celebrated Women’s History Month. As part of our commemoration, Treyarch had the privilege of hosting Ashley Maria, the creator of the impactful documentary film, Pioneers in Skirts, for a Fireside Chat. Ashley shared insights into the film's themes and discussed the motivation behind its creation alongside her mother, the film's producer. The conversation was both empowering and enlightening, sparking a meaningful dialogue among attendees and prompting reflections on their individual roles in addressing gender-related challenges. It was truly inspiring to witness the impact of Pioneers in Skirts and to see firsthand the power of collective dialogue in driving positive change.