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Ashley Jackson is a testament to the power of resilience, transformation, and purpose. Her journey is not just one of triumph in pageantry but of reclaiming her voice, standing in her worth, and using her platform to spark real change. From surviving an abusive relationship to becoming a fierce advocate for domestic violence awareness, Ashley’s story is one of courage—a reminder that strength is born in the moments we refuse to be broken. Through pageantry, she has discovered not only confidence and sisterhood but also a calling: to inspire, to empower, and to show others that even in the darkest chapters, a new story can be written. Now, as she prepares to compete for Miss Illinois USA, Ashley is stepping back onto the stage that first ignited her transformation—this time, not just as a competitor, but as a woman who has already won in the ways that matter most.
Instagram: @ashleylanejackson
Photographer: Matty Jacobsen @magicdreamsproductions
MUA & Hair: Constantine James @constantine_james
Your journey in pageants has been impressive. Can you share what motivated you to start competing and how the experience has shaped you personally and professionally?
My driving force behind competing in pageantry is unique within itself, having shaped not only my successful career within pageants, but also the resilient woman I have become. Looking back on 2020, I found myself in an abusive relationship, truthfully terrified and unknowing of how my life had become a living nightmare. I’ll never forget the moment I chose myself and left, and even though I had a feeling of immense freedom, fear was just as strong. Not only is leaving the most dangerous time in a domestic violence relationship, but also facing the harsh reality of picking up the broken pieces of your life. I told myself this was the time to rebuild the life I had always wanted for myself, a life where I confidently walked in my worth and became a woman that little girls would say “I want to be like her someday.” I started with the basics – what was healthy for me that would make me happy. My years of performing ballet and violin on stage was a comfortability point and an area that not only I felt confident in, but also happy. The familiarity of being on stage became prominent when I received an offer to compete in Miss Illinois USA, and I accepted. Being surrounded by women who knew their worth, spent their time giving back to the communities around them, and best of all the sisterhood that comes along with it. I surrounded myself with people who reminded me of the life I was rebuilding for myself, so I took a leap of faith and went all in. I became a strong public speaker, having spoken at multiple events raising awareness for domestic violence survivors and empowering women. I learned how to confidentially carry myself throughout an interview process, a skill that has largely aided in my successful professional careers. I took the time to take care of my health not only physically but mentally as well, and gained some of the most genuine friends along the way. The way I walked and carried myself displayed the confident woman I have become. A woman of resilience, someone I am proud to be. This was not something that happened overnight, it has been six years in the making, and truthfully would not be possible without God providing strength on days I struggled to believe life would get better. Coming full circle, this spring I am competing for the title of Miss Illinois USA, coming back to the very first pageant that changed my life. I’m grateful for the trials and tribulations I encountered, without them I would not have discovered pageantry and most importantly would not have discovered myself.
Raising awareness for domestic violence is a significant cause. What inspired you to focus on this issue, and how are you using your platform to make an impact?
With any decision in life, we have the choice to quit or continue on in persistence and hope, and truthfully I’ll never consider the first option. The biggest way to overcome the pain we experience is by turning it into something beautiful. In the strangest way, I am thankful to be a domestic violence survivor. It has given me purpose and an unbreakable drive to make every day worth living, not only for myself but for those around me. It’s a gift being able to speak life into women who share stories of overcoming the darkest time in their lives, wherever they stand in their healing journey, or still in the midst of escaping. The biggest issue this topic of conversation comes down to is having the conversation to begin with. Uncomfortability smears the reality of those living in the nightmare, and if not discussed without hearts and minds being open, then change cannot occur. So much of my advocacy is based on conversation, discussed in the right context with the appropriate times and ages. Which is something I continuously ask God to give me grace and understanding to do so. It’s humbling having a platform within pageantry where I can make an impact and live a life that goes beyond myself.
My greatest desire to continue my success in pageantry can be accounted to those around me who are ready and willing to serve alongside and equip me in making a change. I have been honored to partner with national organizations and multiple shelters throughout my home state Illinois, humbly including the organization I was a client at years ago.
Through raising funds and essentials for shelters to continue staying open, providing donations, strengthening the communities surrounding, leading classes and support grounds for the women and children in shelters, and organizing volunteer events providing support and education to each and every people group. I remind myself that as much as we focus on the big picture, the small moments in between are just as important and not to be missed. I’ll never forget the one on one conversations I’ve had with people who shared their story with me. Whether a stranger in the grocery store, colleague, dm through social media, or a close friend. An opportunity to make an impact is always there.
Beauty, fashion, and fitness are key aspects of your public persona. How do you integrate these interests into your daily life and your role within pageants?
Beauty for me is fulfilled through a balance of my mind, heart, and body. Everything I take in is to be accounted for – positive and negative aspects of everyday life, environments, relationships, healthy and unhealthy habits, food consumption and fitness. This last year I have understood on a deeper level how important it is to protect your peace. The more I have chosen not to care of others opinions and or let their words take power over my life, the more beautiful and confident I have felt. Daily journaling, saying “no” to people and choices that are not healthy or right for me, and therapy have all helped keep me grounded in feeling beautiful. As important as it is to focus on internal beauty, feeling confident physically is just as important. I aim to start off each day in the gym, even if it’s waking up at 4am before a photoshoot or making time in the evening. I’ve been enjoying trying new workout classes recently such as yoga and pilates, and of course circling back to my favorite exercise, ballet. My training for Miss Illinois USA is mostly weights in the gym, so taking a fun and upbeat class takes the pressure off and helps me regain focus on exercising for enjoyment. Alongside exercise, taking time to style my hair and makeup sets a positive tone for the day. Usually I’m listening to Brittney Spears or Backstreet Boys while doing so, but often I’ll put on a podcast or a sermon from my favorite pastor. Pairing that with an outfit for the day always puts a smile on my face, fashion has become a healthy outlet of self expression for myself. As I like to say, everyday is a fashion show, so make the outfit count. Second to advocacy, my favorite part of pageants is romanticizing the glitz and glamour of every outfit, pair of shoes, and the way it makes each girl feel confident. The dresses, the fitness, the big hair, it goes beyond what first meets the eye. It’s a presentation to make an initial impact, grab attention and speak from the heart.
What challenges have you faced in balancing your responsibilities in pageantry with your advocacy work and personal interests?
With a career in pageantry, my platform work through domestic violence advocacy, personal relationships and interests, balancing this lifestyle was not a challenge I initially imagined for myself. Learning to say “no” to people, opportunities, and choices that are not right for me or not right at the time has been the greatest challenge. I remind myself often that God equips us to say “no” so we can say “yes” to better and greater opportunities aligned with our goals and morals. In order to properly serve the communities around me while balancing work and my personal life, I have to view my time as precious and recognize that it is limited, even when my intentions are pure. Alongside that, being in the public eye brings judgment and constant scrutiny from others. It can be crippling if every negative comment, rumor, or judgmental look is taken to heart. I cannot let others’ negative words or untruths have power over me. On a daily basis, I remind myself of the truths about who I am, who I know myself to be, and who God says I am.
Can you describe a memorable moment from your time in the pageant world that highlighted the importance of your advocacy or personal passions?
Winning my first pageant was a life-changing moment that made me feel like I could truly change the world. It wasn’t just about the crown—it was about the opportunity to use my voice, share my passions, and bring hope to others. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to make a lasting impact, and I’ve carried that memory full of purpose with me ever since. Some of the most unforgettable moments in my journey have also been connecting with women who have shared their victory of surviving domestic violence. Hearing their stories of pain, resilience, and ultimately strength has deepened my commitment to advocating for them. Knowing that my platform provides a space where these women feel seen and heard is priceless. Whether through advocacy, mentorship, or simply leading by example, I strive to remind others that they are not alone and that their voices matter. Their voices stay with me, and when I step on stage for a pageant, I carry them in my heart. It pushes me to stand taller, speak with more conviction, and take hold of every moment. These experiences continue to inspire me, reinforcing my commitment to using my voice to empower those who need it most.
