Ashley Vernelle Gilley is a mother, entrepreneur, and inspirational/motivational speaker. Her journey has been one of resilience, growth, and transformation. At the tender age of 17, just five months after high school graduation, her dreams for the future were shattered, and hope seemed out of reach. Ashley found herself entangled in the criminal justice system, facing a 15-year sentence for drug possession charges. It was a surreal and unimaginable experience that led her to serve five years in a state penitentiary. With unwavering determination and support from her parents, closest friends, and loved ones, after her incarceration she had a renewed sense of purpose, and has been determined to break the stereotype of an “ex-offender.” In April 2021, she proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Additionally, in January 2022, she completed my parole sentence, overcoming obstacles and defying the odds. Ashley serves as a Revenue Administrator II with the Florida Department of Revenue, approaching five and a half years of dedicated service to Florida. Each day, she strives to live a life that aligns with God’s plans, embracing the opportunity to share her story and inspire others to overcome adversity. She is the mother to three beautiful children, Christian, Princeton, and Tristynn, and they are her motivators everyday.