Ashley Copple – 16 in 2016

Special Events Coordinator, Civitan Services
2-Year Saline County Resident

Ashley Copple dove headfirst into volunteering for the community when she moved to Saline County in 2014, dedicating her time to more than a handful of non-profits. At 25 years old, Ashley is making a positive impact on the lives of Saline County residents. A transplant from Decatur, Illinois, she serves as the special events coordinator for Civitan Services in Saline County, a non-profit dedicated to providing education and life skills to men, women and children with developmental disabilities.

With a background in the corporate world, Ashley was given the opportunity to work serving others and she welcomed the challenge. “My job is not just about events, it’s also educating people about what [Civitan] does,” says Ashley. “I want to see the ability of the person, not the disability.”

Inspired at a young age by a Junior Achievement volunteer to pursue her college degree, Ashley wanted to give back to the children in her community and inspire them to do seek higher education. Her passion resonates in all she does. She volunteers with Junior Auxiliary of Saline County, Habitat for Humanity, Spookcity, Old Fashion Day and Junior Achievement. She serves as an Ambassador of the Benton Chamber, a member of the Bryant Chamber, a member of Women in Networking and President and Board Member of Leadership Saline County.

“The whole reason why I’m headfirst in the community is that I’m a Christian and Christ came here to serve, not to be served,” says Ashley. “I want to be the hands and feet for him in all that I do. How am I suppose to ask people to help my organization if I’m not giving back?”

“So many people in Saline County are like a family,” says Ashley. “They support you and I have so many different mentors who are constantly supporting me and empowering me. It’s not only a place that I can see myself growing professionally, but it would also be an incredible place for me to raise my future kids.”

In the past two years, she’s raised money to support the construction of a new $3.5 million facility complete with sensory and therapy rooms, cooking and art classrooms. Ashley is most looking forward to a new building for Civitan clients in the community.

Ashley says works best when she lives outside of her comfort zone, but when life turns stressful she finds her focus working with the clients she serves. “We are so consumed with our own lives, it’s easy to get down on yourself,” says Ashley. “Our clients are the happiest people. They never tear you down and they look at you in the most positive light. They’ve taught me to be more like them.”