Meet Ashley Cole, a powerhouse of purpose whose volunteer journey is rooted in compassion, community, and a deep love for Atlanta. For Ashley, giving back isn’t just a pastime—it’s transformed the way she lives, leads, and connects with others. When she’s not girl bossing as a IT Technical Content Creator, you can find her all throughout Atlanta enjoying the city and volunteering to help the unhoused!
Learn more about Ashley in our interview below!
Which Nonprofit Organization(s) do you volunteer with?
I enjoy volunteering with different organizations, but some of the recent ones include Partners In Change, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and Hope Atlanta.
What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?
Education and the unsheltered community are my top two causes. Education is truly the key to opportunity. Once you learn something, it can never be taken from you, but you can always give it away—it is truly the gift that keeps on giving. As an Atlanta resident, I’ve seen the effects of homelessness up close. Simple tasks become incredibly difficult when you don’t have don’t have a home to stabilize yourself. No matter your background, level of education, or circumstance, I believe that everyone should have a home to call their own.
What do you love most about an organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?
I love volunteering at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. I usually volunteer here with my coworkers a few times throughout the year. The employees and volunteers there are so high spirited, which makes the experience so much fun. They play music during the shift, and everyone is just having a good time, working together to sort and pack food and other goods. At the end of the shift, they tell us how many pounds of food we packed up, which makes you feel so good about the work you did!
“I have benefited from volunteering just as much as the communities and individuals that I’ve served. It’s an exchange that allows us to pour into one another.”
How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?
My life overall feels so much more fulfilling. I truly feel honored to serve those who need and also deserve an opportunity to thrive. I look at every interaction differently now. I want to be the same person while I’m volunteering and when I’m not. My heart has been softened and my values have been strengthened.
What skills have you honed or what have you learned through your experience as a volunteer?
My patience, empathy, and leadership skills have been deepened. When volunteering, you must have grace for everyone, from the volunteer coordinators to those receiving the service(s). Everyone’s heart is in the right place, so be flexible with your expectations. You also have to jump in wherever necessary and be ready to make decisions that will keep things running smoothly.
Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?
Earlier this year, I volunteered to do a census for the unsheltered. Almost every person I encountered said “thank you” and “I love you!” I was so touched by their words and I know they were touched by the work we were doing. That experience was the catalyst for ramping up my volunteer efforts this year.
Why Atlanta? What do you love about this city and/or tell us a bit about some of your favorite Atlanta things - people, places, things to do, etc.
There’s no place like Atlanta. I love the people, the history, the culture, and everything in between. If you are good to this city, it will be good to you. My favorite places to go are The High Museum, Westside Park, and Gusto for a bite to eat. My favorite person is Mayor Dickens. I love the work he’s doing with the youth and our unsheltered communities, such as the midnight basketball tournaments and opening of the Melody.
“I would encourage anyone who’s interested to just jump in. If you’re not sure where to start, just pick an activity and go from there. No matter what you do, your time and efforts will go towards something good, which will make you feel good. Volunteering is a great way to connect and build community in an authentic way, and everyone needs community now more than ever.”
Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.
As a proud former student of Spelman College, I will be volunteering for Founder’s Day mid month! Aside from that, you can find volunteer opportunities for the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art and special student events on their website.
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