Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Laughlin
Hi Ashlee, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey has always been about connecting people and creating spaces where they can thrive. It started back in college at Salisbury University, where I discovered my love for organizing events that brought people together. It all started when I joined Casser Le Moule Fashion, Inc. as a model. What began as a chance to be center stage on my campus quickly turned into something much bigger. I eventually became a board member, where I started co-planning fashion shows and even choreographing scenes. That’s where I discovered my love for creating experiences that bring people together.
From there, I transitioned into a role at American University Washington College of Law as an Event Assistant. This was a whole new level of event production, managing over 100 events a year. I had the chance to plan everything from elegant galas to mock trials and law conferences. It was a fast-paced environment that taught me how to handle high-pressure situations and execute events that truly made an impact.
Over the years, my career continued to grow. I ventured into freelance events and marketing work in the winter of 2014 where I began working with brands that I never thought I would. I’ve had the privilege of working with BET handling award show logistics alongside some incredible women that also loved music and production. I also had the chance to work with Blogalicious Conference, Creme of Nature, Radio One, and a range of corporate organizations in our nation’s capital.
But as much as I loved the work, I knew I wanted to do something that aligned even more deeply with my passion for connecting and empowering women. That’s when I founded Célébrez La Femme Inc., a 501(c)(3) “empowerment network” based in Salisbury, Maryland. It started as a small idea: creating a space where women could share their stories and feel supported. Today, it’s grown into a thriving movement of women of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds dedicated to helping each other realize their full potential—both personally and professionally.
In 2024, I was honored to be named one of the 40 Under 40 honorees by the Community Foundation of the Lower Eastern Shore. That recognition reminded me of how far this journey has come—not just for me but for all the women who have been part of it and continue to pour into the mission.
Along the way, I’ve kept growing myself. I recently earned my MBA from Strayer University, focusing on business and project management, giving me the tools to lead with purpose and vision.
Looking back, my story is about following my passions, learning from every opportunity, and creating spaces where people—especially women—can thrive. From fashion runways to law conferences and now empowering women through Célébrez La Femme, it’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited for what’s next.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—it’s been more like a winding one with plenty of twists, turns, and surprises. I’ve had my share of low moments and an incredible pile of highs, and through it all, I’ve learned that growth often comes from navigating the challenges.
One of the biggest lessons for me has been finding balance. There have been times when I felt like I was juggling a million things at once, and I had to figure out how to keep it all moving forward without losing myself in the process. It’s a constant learning curve, and honestly, it still is.
Another important part of my journey has been learning how to perform myself into spaces where I wanted to be—not because of who I knew or what I had but because of my work ethic and what I brought to the table. That mindset has been life-changing. It taught me the value of showing up fully prepared, staying curious, and being willing to adapt to change, even when it’s uncomfortable.
And if there’s one thing I’ve come to accept, it’s that the road is always changing. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, life throws a curveball, or a new opportunity comes along to challenge you in ways you didn’t expect. Those moments keep me growing and grounded, and for that, I’m grateful.
The struggles, as tough as they’ve been, have shaped me. They’ve taught me resilience, perspective, and the power of leaning into community when you need it most. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade any of it because each moment—good and bad—has brought me closer to where I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Célébrez la Femme, Inc (Celebrate The Woman). For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Célébrez La Femme Inc. (CLF) is more than just a nonprofit—it’s a purpose-driven women’s empowerment network rooted in faith, community, and growth. Based on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, our organization is built on the foundation of celebrating women in all their strength, resilience, and individuality.
We specialize in creating experiences that inspire women to step into their power and pursue both personal and professional excellence. Through workshops, meetups, and our signature annual event, the Empowerment Summit, we provide a space for connection, self-discovery, and transformation. This year’s summit theme, The Power Playbook, is a testament to our mission of equipping women with the tools, strategies, and confidence to thrive in every area of life.
What sets CLF apart is its essence—a feel-good brand born out of my calling to return to the Shore, bringing with me the lessons and experiences God has allowed me to gather throughout my journey. I believe this work is part of His blueprint, designed to prosper because it’s so deeply needed in our community. It’s about creating something that uplifts, inspires, and leaves a lasting impact.
At the heart of what we do is providing a safe space for women on the Shore to tell their stories. For me, this is so important because it first solidifies that women in our small towns have something to say. Our voices matter, and our stories need to be heard. So often, when the world is celebrating and uplifting women in other regions, our towns are forgotten. But we are here, and we will create spaces where our battle stories, our triumphs, and our journeys are shared.
This space allows us to take ownership of our narrative, to be seen and heard, and to use our stories to empower one another. All of us have something inside of us that is worth sharing. Whether it’s a lesson learned, a challenge faced, or a victory won, our collective stories will uplift the women around us.
The women who get involved in our programming are what make this calling real. They’re not just attendees—they are the why. They’re the hands, the connectors, the heartbeat of everything we do. For myself and the other women in our immediate community, they bring intentionality to this mission. They’re the ones who show up, pour in, and create the magic of what CLF stands for. These women remind us every day why this work matters.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is the essence of community we’ve built. CLF isn’t just a nonprofit; it’s a movement. It’s a space where women feel seen, heard, and valued. We’re here to remind them that they already have what it takes to succeed, and we’re just here to help them unlock it. At its heart, this work ties directly to my life’s mission and calling from God—to walk with purpose and bring my presence, my learnings, and my experiences back to my folks here on the Shore. The blueprint was written long before I began this journey, and I trust that it will prosper because it’s part of something greater. Together with the incredible women who are part of this community, we’re building something that truly has no limits.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I want to thank my board for working so hard on programming, belonging strategies, and of course sharing the work we do. We want folks to attend our summit. ClfSummit.com and go to our website to collab and learn more at celebrezlafemme.org
Pricing:
- 45.00 for tickets
Contact Info:
- Website: https://celebrezlafemme.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/celebrezlafemme
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celebrezlafemme/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleelaughlin/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@celebrezlafemme
