Garnerville

Rashida Ashley

• Creative
• Entrepreneur
• Art & Design
• Community Builder
• Musician

Rashida Ashley is a soprano, novelist, recording artist, and model whose work centers the pursuit and proliferation of unbiased love. She earned an MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction) from New York University with a 4.0 GPA while simultaneously training as a non-major soprano at NYU Steinhardt. Her first master’s degree from NYU was based in Paris, and she continues to travel with a passport in hand. She is currently completing her debut novel. After graduating, Ashley gained entry to the Queens Summer Vocal Institute and formally debuted as an opera singer in the summer of 2024. She has since self-produced opera performances at Q.E.D. Astoria and has appeared at Columbia University’s Paul Robeson Conference, the 100 Suits nonprofit Mother’s Day event, the Buffalo Juneteenth festival, and the grand opening of Gladys Books and Wine. She has written and produced three original songs—“Tell Me a Story” (with an accompanying music video), “Flow,” and “Spendin’ Time”—with the first two receiving radio play. Her work as a singer and recording artist has been featured in Bronze Magazine for African Music Appreciation Month and in a Revo Music spotlight. Ashley also develops herself as a model through The Model Experience. She has walked in fashion shows including Philadelphia’s Small Boutique Fashion Week, a Fashion Nova show, and a presentation for Project Runway designer Rik Villa. As a writer, she was a 2023 CREA Global Awards recipient via Brains Magazine. Her writing educates audiences on the resources and knowledge needed to pursue their dreams and build businesses as female leaders, while raising awareness around diversity in the PR industry. Outside her creative work, Ashley enjoys yoga and running and has some knowledge of Muay Thai. She has served as Co-Chair of the Migrant Committee for Councilmember Nantasha Williams in Queens. She approaches every pursuit with discipline and openness: “I work hard and train harder.”