Ashley Edwards has been recognized as one of 30 social engineers under the age of 30 making an impact.
This past spring, Ashley Edwards returned to the Moorestown Friends School to deliver the keynote remarks at the Cum Laude Society and World Languages banquet. The speech marked her first visit to MFS since graduating in 2008, and she returned to walk the same halls she once walked as a teenager as one of Forbes’ 2018 “30 Under 30” in the social engineers category.
At the age of 27, Edwards is the co-founder and chief executive officer of MindRight. The tech nonprofit provides personalized metal health coaching via text message and is targeted at youth of color impacted by trauma.
Edwards was born in Westampton and moved to Lumberton in fourth grade. She said she attended public school for her elementary and middle school years, but when it came time for high school, her parents wanted to send her somewhere that ensured she was prepared for college.
Reluctant to leave her friends, Edwards said she was initially resistant to the idea of attending private school. Looking back, however, she said she emerged incredibly grateful for her time at MFS.
While at MFS, Edwards traveled abroad to expand her horizons. She said a service learning trip to Tanzania had her and her fellow students visiting local orphanages and learning about the local cultures.
“It was my first time going to Africa, and as an African American, that was special,” Edwards said.
Edwards also travelled to London her senior year as an extension of her Advanced Placement English course. She said reading the works of Shakespeare where they were written was a special experience.
When it came time to start searching for colleges, Edwards said she felt prepared and grateful for the curriculum at MFS. She applied to Yale University and was accepted.
It was at Yale where Edwards felt like she found herself as a leader. She said she went in as introvert, and during her time there, found herself in leadership roles that pushed her out of of her comfort zone.
Edwards worked at Yale’s Afro-American Cultural Center, served as a resident advisor and was president of Yale’s chapter of the NAACP.
“When I was at Yale, I felt like the world was open,” Edwards said.
Upon graduating with a degree in economics, Edwards was hired as director of operations for Newark Prep Charter School. She said the experience was a transformative one. She said the area had high poverty and had concentrated violence.
“The students were the most resilient people I’ve ever met in my life,” Edwards said. “Students would come to school the day after a friend was killed or a parent was incarcerated, and there was no emotional support. I found myself in a role at my school.”
She quickly realized her job was to provide that emotional support and let students know someone cares and they’re heard. With only one social worker for hundreds of students, she felt like there was more they could be doing.
Edwards left her job in Newark to return to school. She graduated from Stanford University with an M.B.A. and a master’s in education. She said she entered Stanford with the idea for MindRight, and it was there she met her co-founder.
“It was a passion for my students,” she said of the inspiration behind MindRight. “I owe them a lot for the experience I had at the school [in Newark]. It taught me how to be better person in the world.”
While studying at Stanford, Edwards interviewed hundreds of teachers, social workers, students and child welfare workers to get insights into how text messaging could be an avenue to help kids.
Edwards and her cofounder Alina Liao launched MindRight in June 2016. The company is based out of Newark and operates via text message. MindRight’s team of coaches provide emotional support and strategies for overcoming difficult experiences. Coaches touch base with students daily to see how they’re doing and to listen to what students may be going through.
According to the nonprofit, 97 percent of students reported improved stress management after using MindRight for eight or more weeks. Looking ahead, Edward said the company’s vision is to become a national organization, with MindRight being a resource for students in every city.
The high success rate landed Edwards on Forbes’ radar. She said when she found out she had made it on Forbes’ list, it was a “surreal” experience.
“I just am really grateful that our work is being recognized,” Edwards said.
