Meet Ashley – WCF Peacekeeper
Ashley Nabholz French was born and raised in the Little Rock area and returned to the area after graduating from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She currently works as a Senior Recruiter for Windstream, recruiting for the enterprise sales division covering 11 states. She and her husband, Jared, are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first baby girl in May – although her first born will always be their 80 lb. black lab (who, in her opinion, is one of the top duck hunting dogs in Pulaski County). Ashley is passionate about all things recruiting and networking, and believes that volunteering is a vital role in professional and personal development.
Ashley joined the Peacekeepers in 2011 when she moved back to Little Rock, immediately clicking with the group. “I’ve volunteered with a couple of non-profits and the PKs are by far my favorite,” Ashley said. “When I’m volunteering with them, I feel my time and efforts are really needed and go towards such a great cause. I love that the PKs understand life and work commitments, and will take any time or man power I can give.” And Ashley has given a lot of time over the years! She has served as the PK President and Membership Chair, chaired Vegas on the Rocks twice, and volunteered for numerous shelter parties – her favorite being the Back to School Bash. Like staff at the shelter, Ashley is continually amazed at what a group of “regular ole young professionals” can do when they join forces – whether it is raising funds for the shelter, planning a household goods drive, or providing hands-on support at the shelter.
The volunteer opportunities provide memorable moments. Ashley remembers one such story: “I was at the shelter for the Christmas party. One of the moms had her hands full with 4 kiddos, so I took one of the little boys and helped him open his gifts from Santa. We were surrounded by a ton of kids, wrapping paper flying everywhere, and toys being opened from Barbies to action figures with a million pieces scattered around the room. The little boy I was helping opened a Star Wars Lego set. I said to him, “let’s wait to open this when you get home’, and he just looked at me with a blank stare. I immediately realized what I had said wrong – this was his home. I quickly corrected my error by ripping open the box of Legos, pouring it on the floor and letting him enjoy his gift. This memory sticks with me because so I take for granted a place to call home. The feeling of safety is not something that everyone has. I know I have been blessed with a great life and need to give back and support great causes like WCF. And the Peacekeepers are a great avenue to do just that.”
To find out more about the Peacekeepers and how you can join Ashley and this amazing group of volunteers, visit their webpage or email Caitlyn, PK President, or Bryan, Membership Chair.