Ashley Hughes
Tucson, United States
Ashley Hughes Founder of Joy in the Mourning | International Speaker | Advocate for the Brokenhearted For over two decades, Ashley Hughes has stood as a beacon of hope for those navigating the darkest seasons of life. Her journey as a speaker began in the crucible of profound tragedy when, at just 19 years old, she was widowed after her high school sweetheart was murdered by a driver under the influence. Standing at his memorial service, Ashley shared a message of redemption that would define her life’s mission: that even in the deepest sorrow, one can find strength and purpose through Jesus Christ. A Legacy of Resilience and Advocacy Ashley’s voice has resonated across diverse platforms, from intimate settings to global stages. She has spent more than 20 years speaking for organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD), Homicide Survivors, and Victim Witness Panels, sharing her story to impact public safety and provide comfort to fellow survivors. Her commitment to reaching the next generation has taken her into countless schools for Anti-Drug and Alcohol Weeks, where she uses her testimony to steer youth toward healthy, purposeful choices. Her ministry transcends borders and demographics: International Impact: In 2006, she addressed a crowd of over 15,000 at the National Glovimo Conference in Kampala, Uganda. Missionary Heart: She has shared messages of hope and forgiveness with captive audiences in juvenile youth jails in Mexico, demonstrating that no circumstance is too dark for the light of the Gospel. Media Presence: Ashley is a frequent guest on Christian television networks like IBTV, various podcasts including Reclaimed Story and the Romans 12 Podcast, Scarred Beautiful and has collaborated with social media influencers to bring biblically-based encouragement to a digital audience. Training and Equipping the Church Today, Ashley and her husband, David, travel nationally to equip ministry leaders and congregations. As the founder of the nonprofit Joy in the Mourning, and author, she specializes in launching bereavement ministries and training churches to care for the vulnerable—specifically widows and the fatherless—according to biblical principles. Her message is centered on the transformative power of forgiveness and the promise found in Jeremiah 29:11: that God has a plan to give every person a hope and a future.
Speaking topics
- The Catalyst of Forgiveness: Moving from bitterness to beauty through the power of the Holy Spirit. Beauty for Ashes: Finding authentic joy and identity after life-altering trauma. Equipping the Saints: Practical bereavement training for local church leadership. Kingdom Chasing: Living a mission-minded life regardless of personal cost.
Speaking fee: Contact for fee