Ashley Graham
Plus-Sized Model, Entrepreneur, Designer, Author and Body Activist
Ashley Graham was born in 1987 in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was discovered in a mall and started modelling at the age of 12. In her flourishing career, she has done everything from editorial, catalogue, runway, commercials, TV/movie and is well-known for her work as a lingerie model for the plus-size clothing retailer Lane Bryant, for…
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Full Bio
Ashley Graham was born in 1987 in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was discovered in a mall and started modelling at the age of 12. In her flourishing career, she has done everything from editorial, catalogue, runway, commercials, TV/movie and is well-known for her work as a lingerie model for the plus-size clothing retailer Lane Bryant, for which she starred in a 2010 commercial that was banned from television and caused a lot of media attention. Ashley was also featured on two gigantic billboards of that same brand on Time Square and 34th street in New York City in December of 2012.
Ashley has been featured in fashion magazines such as Vogue, Glamour, O Magazine and Latina. In addition, she has appeared regularly in several Marina Rinaldi campaigns and in two iconic Levi’s campaigns: The Boyfriend Collection 2010 and the Curve ID SS 11.
Vogue’s 2008 Shape Issue dedicated a three-page article about her personal style, and she was also one of the 5 models selected in Glamour’s 2009 Shape Issue ‘These Bodies are Beautiful at Every Size.’
Madison Plus has devoted one whole issue to Ashley—its first issue ever dedicated to one model—and focusing on her career, charitable work and personal life.
Her list of clients includes Target, Hanes, Bloomingdale’s, Evans, Simply Be, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Elomi Lingerie, Old Navy and many more.
In collaboration with Canadian brand Addition Elle, she has developed her own lingerie line, launching in November 2013 in Canada exclusively.
A leader for the body positive movement, Ashley has been featured on the covers of Vogue, British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, SELF, Maxim and many more. In January 2016, Ashley was named to Forbes Magazine’s coveted “30 Under 30” list and was featured on the cover of the magazine’s January issue alongside top celebrities and entrepreneurs. In November 2016, Glamour named her “Woman of the Year,” while Mattel simultaneously created a one-of-a-kind Barbie in her likeness. In December 2016, People Magazine named Ashley one of the “25 Most Intriguing People of the Year,” and she was recently named to TIME’s 2017 “Most Influence People in the World” list.
A business-savvy entrepreneur, Ashley collaborates with Canadian brand Addition Elle, Dressbarn and swimsuitsforall, for whom she designs lingerie, dress and swimwear collections.
Additionally, Ashley is a sought-after television personality and has hosted international programs and events such as Miss Universe 2017 and Miss USA 2016. She was recently a judge on VH1’s America’s Next Top Model where she provided her expert advice on how to become a boss, brand and a business woman.
As a role model and body activist, Ashley is regularly invited to speak at national conferences, high schools and girls’ groups about body image, self-acceptance and female empowerment. Her first TEDx talk “Plus Size? More Like My Size” was given at TEDxBerleeValencia in April 2015.
Ashley’s first book, A NEW MODEL: What Confidence, Beauty & Power Really Look Like, is now out with Dey Street Books.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like
Ashley describes the challenging and rewarding progression toward becoming her own role model. Inspiring body confidence in the next generation, Ashley expresses the need for the universal embrace of body diversity as beauty paradigms continue to shift
A Conversation With Ashley Graham
Body Image, Self-Acceptance and Female Empowerment
Videos
Ashley Graham Speaker - PDA Speakers
Ashley Graham Talks Working With Terry Richardson, Tells Her Own #MeToo Story - The View
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Testimonials
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