Next Up Columbus 2021: Ashley Snyder
Interview by Derek Grosso
Name: Ashley Snyder
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Age: 33
Profession: Development Coordinator at Save A Warrior, Communications Specialist at Central Ohio Diversity Consortium, Founder of “The Amore Code,” and Life Insurance Agent
Neighborhood: Pickerington
Education: Bradford School Graduate in Business Administration and Life Insurance Agent
Community Involvement: Associated with Save A Warrior (non-profit) and Central Ohio Diversity Consortium (CODC) non-profit. In support of: Save A Warrior, CODC, Homeport, Lincoln Theatre, Columbus Association of Performing Arts and The Columbus Symphony.
Personal Quote: “Be your authentic self unapologetically.”
Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram (personal) | Instagram (business) | Facebook
What gets you up each morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek? I look forward to waking up and doing my self-care morning routine which consists of stretching, meditating, saying my affirmations, exercising, getting dressed, and setting my intentions for the day. The sight of seeing my five children’s beautiful faces and the grace of having another chance to live my best life gets me up in the morning. To get me through the workweek, I enjoy meditating throughout the day, relaxing in my self-love spiritual baths, skating, grooving to R&B music from the 90’s and 2000’s, reading self-help books, journaling, coloring and painting with my family, and finding small business treasurers in the City to experience.
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
My adversity has mentored me, my children, Anaya, Lyric, Ariel, Jazier, Jaleel, and spouse Jason, have taught me to let go and control what I can control. I also thank the following mentors whom became friends for meeting me where I was and guiding me where I am today: Moni Amandla (Founder of Bellativa), Denise Rehg (Executive Director, The Columbus Symphony), Maude Hill (Vice President of Community and Government Affairs Relations, Homeport), Danielle Sullivan (Regional Data Site Coordinator, Facebook and Board Vice President, Driven Foundation), Nichelle Atkinson, and Suzan Bradford (Executive Director, Lincoln Theatre). These powerful pillars in my life have taught me “to get out of my way”, taught me “that you cannot manage time, you can only manage Ashley”, and to give myself more credit than I do without being so harsh on myself. These women empowered me, supported me, and developed me into the professional I am proud to be today; Thank you!
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
To unwind, throughout the day, I reflect and get lost in the pages of my journal and vulnerability within myself. When I’m not doing that, I post relatable thoughts and inspiration on my business Instagram account @theamorecode. The account was created to inspire women on their self-love journey and to help un-program the limited beliefs someone in their life projected onto them. It gives me comfort in finishing up the publication of a gratitude journal I created for The Amore Code‘s audience to launch on August 31st.
What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus/central Ohio?
I have several local small business spots I have appreciated and built foundational memories with friends and family. If I had to pick my all-time favorite spots it would be Skatezone71 and United Skates of America. These skating rinks have given us an outlet to express ourselves, to overcome fears and accomplish our desired skills together as a family. Skatezone71 and United Skates of America our are public safe places where we can just be ourselves and enjoy one another in the company of great music.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
I use to pretend with my siblings and play the roles of a store owner, cashier and an insurance agent. I listened to my grandmother, Erma Snyder, when she proclaimed I was going to be in business one day and become very successful. She planted the seed of my-self identify and could see who I was before I even knew who I was. Every year on my birthday, August 31st, I create milestones and goals to reach new heights of finishing the sentence, “When I grow up… I want to be”… Today, I can proudly say I am who I wanted to be growing up and who I want to become.
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
Every year, I read my favorite books, Manifesto and The Golden Ticket by Brendon Burchard to refresh and see if I can find a new perspective of the given message. Right now, I listen to Jay Shetty, Robert Lewis, Dr. Myles Monroe, Dr. Jamal H. Bryant, Reverend Ike Legacy, Selfish Babe, and Gala Darling’s podcasts.
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
It means that I am a part of the high vibrating and obligations of impact, inspiration, and empowerment in our community.
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
I would tell them the “pulse” is the people in our communities making a difference by their own definition and passions.
The Next Up Columbus Awards highlight emerging leaders who are connectors and ambassadors in central Ohio and who are making a positive impact on the future of Columbus. The Columbus Young Professionals Club would like to offer special thanks to our 2021 co-presenters, Discover Financial, Future Possibilities and Zipline Logistics for their support of this awards program. Meet the entire “Class of 2021” »