Ashley is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelors of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies. Along with this degree, she also received minors in Criminology and African American Studies. During her undergraduate career, she was involved in many campus activities and organizations including: The University of Oklahoma Pom Squad, Delta Delta Delta Sorority, Campus Activities Council, University Sing, Sooner Scandals, Dance Marathon and OU Cousins. Ashley was awarded Outstanding Senior for the Women’s and Gender Studies Department, the Sooner Dedication Award for Outstanding Community Service in the OU Spirit Program, the Valedictorian Scholarship and over $150,000 in scholarships to law schools across the country. She was selected to be in the prestigious President’s Leadership Class and was placed on the President’s and Dean’s Honor Roll. Ashley was also selected as a member of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, OU Scholars Program and Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society for her scholastic achievement.
Throughout college, Ashley worked at The Sooner Theatre in Norman as a dance instructor and choreographer, and also served as a coach for the Blanchard High School Varsity Pom Squad. Most importantly, Ashley worked as an intern for No Boundaries International, and continues to serve as an active volunteer. This organization has allowed her the unique opportunity to expand the reach of her social impact, “Human Trafficking: The Exploitation Epidemic”. No Boundaries International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit faith-based organization that is headquartered in Oklahoma City and provides basic needs and inner healing to those in devastation, many of whom have been involved with drugs, abuse and trafficking. She has spent her time there helping victims of human trafficking through programming that includes assisting them find clothing in Carina’s closet and food for the week from the food pantry. Ashley has also helped raise over $10,000 to purchase food, clothing and even prize baskets for the annual Spring Fling event. By restoring their hope in humanity, the organization believes that these victims can become survivors.
At the age of 4, Ashley began taking dance lessons and quickly realized that this is her passion. She was trained and competed in tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical and contemporary for 13 years. During those years, she received a multitude of awards, which resulted in her becoming an Individual National Dance Champion in high school. She went on to become a member of the OU Pom Squad, and they placed in the Top 10 at UDA College Pom Nationals while she was on the team. This also allowed her the opportunity to cheer in front of over 80,000 fans each year at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium during OU football season.
She began competing in the Miss Oklahoma’s Outstanding Teen Competition in 2010. During her 3 years competing, she finished in the Top 10 and was the Tulsa Kiwanis Community Service Winner. She then continued competing in the Miss Oklahoma Competition. Over the course of 6 years, she has been awarded with the Miss America Community Service Award, was a Miss Oklahoma Community Service Finalist 5 years in a row where she placed both 1st and 2nd runner up, was a Top 10 Semi-Finalist, received the talent award, interview award, and finally, Miss Oklahoma. Her journey in the Miss Oklahoma Competition taught her the importance of her social impact, and also the value of hard work, dedication, perseverance and timing.
Ashley plans to travel the state as Miss Oklahoma and spread awareness about her social impact in order to put an end to human trafficking and share with Oklahomans how they can get involved in the fight to end it. She also aims to serve as a positive role model for students across our great state. After her year, Ashley will be attending the University of Oklahoma College of Law where she hopes to pursue a career as a nonprofit and human rights attorney. By doing this, she will be able to help develop further legislation surrounding human trafficking in our state and across the nation.
Ashley is the daughter of Scott and Wendy Thompson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and is the proud sister of her brother, James Thompson, 20.
Follow Ashley on social media:
Instagram @MissAmericaOK
Twitter @MissAmericaOK
Facebook.com/MissAmericaOK
To book Miss Oklahoma to speak at your school or event, contact the Miss Oklahoma Organization at (918) 461-9595.
