ABOUT YOUR CANDIDATE​​

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There are limitless possibilities for District 2’s growth and sustainability. We need a leader who is present and actively building relationships to ensure our community stays in the forefront and receives its fair share of resources. As an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and mentor, Ashley R. Wheat is dedicated to being a problem solver for District 2 and connecting the dots between issues and available resources to remedy them.

 

As a lifelong resident of West Tuscaloosa, Ashley has been married to her husband Santez for 15 years. She enjoys mentoring middle school girls as the Founder and Director of Rose’s Leadership Academy, a nonprofit organization designed to use art and creativity to enhance students’ self-esteem, provide them with real-world business skills, and help them explore the myriad options for the future. She is also the Executive Director of the Alabama Blues Project, a nonprofit organization that preserves the legacy of Alabama’s blues musicians by teaching children blues history and how to sing and play instruments. Ashley sits on the boards and councils of other community organizations including the Benjamin Barnes Branch YMCA and the Johnny Shines Blues Foundation. Her love of the arts also led her to create Bougie Boogie Line Dancing, a weekly class that promotes health and joyful socialization through group activity.

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Ashley is passionate about promoting local business to drive our economy. As an active member of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, she serves as an Ambassador and on the steering committee for the Diverse Business Council. She also served as the 2022 Chair for the Chamber’s Nonprofit Council. As a city councilor, it is Ashley’s goal to use the networks she has built to drive a new wave of business and entrepreneurship in District 2. 

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Bring these values of community leadership, business acumen, and dedication to arts and culture to the Tuscaloosa City Council by voting for Ashley R. Wheat on March 4, 2025!

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Business Education & Leadership

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• University of Phoenix, Master of Business Administration, 2007

• Stillman College, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, 2005

• Sigma Beta Delta International Business Honor Society, Inducted 2005

• West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador, 2024 – Present 

• West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Tuscaloosa Graduate, 2023

• Ashley R. Wheat Enterprises, Owner, 2014 – Present

• YouTube Channel @AshleyInspires, 2024 – Present 

Nonprofit, Community & Arts Leadership

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• Rose’s Leadership Academy, Founder & Director, 2024 – Present 

• Alabama Blues Project, Executive Director, 2019 – Present 

• Benjamin Barnes Branch YMCA Advisory Council, Secretary, 2022 – Present 

• Johnny Shines Blues Foundation, Board of Directors, 2023 – Present 

• The Bridge Builders Friendship Foundation, Inaugural Bridge Builder Award Recipient, 2023

• Shelton State Community College, Nonprofit Leadership Academy Graduate, 2022

• West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, Nonprofit Council Chair, 2022

• The pARTners Project, Tuscaloosa Co-Chair, 2021 – 2022

• Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Life Member, Inducted 2002

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Notable Speaking Engagements

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• Tuscaloosa's One Place, Staff Development Keynote Speaker, 2024

• Stars Academy, Motivational Speaker, 2024

• Junior League of Tuscaloosa, Professional Development Speaker, 2024

• Easterseals West Alabama, Fundraiser Keynote Speaker, 2023

• Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa Morning, Breakfast Keynote Speaker, 2023

• Eastwood Middle School, Girls Empowerment Day, Professional Development Speaker, 2022

• OLLI at the University of Alabama, Bonus Talk Speaker, 2019

• Eastwood Middle School, Motivational Speaker, 2019

• The Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa, Lunch Meeting Keynote Speaker, 2019

• Bailey Tabernacle C.M.E. Church, Women’s Day Keynote Speaker, 2016