Ashley Bendiksen

As a former at-risk teen turned youth specialist, Ashley deeply relates to teenage life and knows what young people need to hear. Adolescence isn’t easy. From low self-esteem to anxiety, peer pressure, relationships, dating, and social-emotional challenges, many young people feel alone, overwhelmed, powerless, and even hopeless. This often leads to negative coping habits, endless comparison, and a failure to witness one’s true potential.

To combat this, Ashley delivers the life talk every young person needs. Combining relatable storytelling with research-backed practical advice, Ashley teaches the three foundational life skills every person needs to be resilient and overcome challenges, as well as navigate everyday life and thrive. She shows how each one of us, no matter what, (already) holds the power to direct our own lives.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Tools to build self-awareness, emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and empowerment
• Understanding of how the quality of your relationships = your quality of life
• Power of reframing, helpful questions, and positive thinking to build resilience
• Strategies to stay positive and mentally healthy in both good and challenging times
• Cognitive behavioral therapy-based tools to manage emotions and make healthy choices

At 14, Ashley was excited about her first dating relationship. Unfortunately, it became abusive, starting a cycle of unhealthy relationships that negatively impacted Ashley during her adolescence – personally, socially, emotionally, and academically. Sadly, Ashley’s story is not unique. In the U.S., 1 in 3 teens will experience dating violence, while 1 in 5 high school students know someone being abused. This can be physical, sexual, or, more commonly, emotional.

These behaviors impact students’ mental health, safety, social-emotional well-being, and academic achievement. As a survivor turned subject matter expert, Ashley teaches teens what a healthy relationship looks like, what to watch out for, what to do when abuse occurs, and how to define and stand up for healthy relationship values.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Education on dating abuse and top red flags to spot
• Qualities of a healthy relationship vs. costs of a toxic one
• How to set boundaries, define healthy values, and maintain personal priorities
• Seeking help and tips to help a friend
• UPON REQUEST: Sexual assault prevention and consent

As a college student, Ashley faced devastating harm – domestic violence and sexual assault. But perhaps the hardest part was losing herself in the process. This is something students on every college campus can relate to. Whether in their own relationships or those of their peers, toxic and harmful behaviors are all too common. In fact, college-aged students face the highest rates of relationship abuse and violence. Even more troubling, these behaviors are becoming normalized, directly damaging a person’s self-esteem, mental health, focus, and goals. Addressing this is not only critical for safety but central to student success.

Ashley’s story inspires, empowers, and leaves a lasting impression – making her a must-have speaker for any campus committed to fostering safe and healthy relationships. This engaging and relatable conversation helps students to recognize red flags, adopt new ways of thinking, and equip them with skills to take action in their lives, on campus, and in their communities.

Customizable key takeaways tailored to your focus; event title to be co-decided:

• Understanding abuse, gender-, and power-based violence on campuses
• Recognizing red flags, toxic love, and emotionally abusive relationships
• Building healthy relationships and detoxing from toxic ones
• Reclaiming your life, authentic identity, and self-worth
• Bystander intervention skills + how to support a friend
• Consent, Title IX, and sexual violence prevention