Ashley Bickford- Biography

Ashley Bickford realized the dream of a lifetime on November 29, 2009 when she was crowned Miss Connecticut USA 2010. Ashley can be recognized nationally as a professional model, television host, community activist and business professional. She is 24 years old and hails from Torrington.

Throughout her journey Ashley never let go of Henry David Thoreau's quote, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." Ashley knows that the road thus far has not always been easy, however it has been the faith in herself, who she is, and what she believes in that has allowed her to chase and achieve her dreams with tenacity.

Ashley looks forward to spreading that message and encouraging others in the same way throughout her year as Miss Connecticut USA.

Ashley graduated from Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island with an accelerated Master's Degree of Business Administration achieved on a full scholarship.

Ashley also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the same university. During her undergraduate career, Ashley was a four time Dean's Academic scholarship recipient and a member of the Alpha Mu Alpha Honor Society. Ashley also completed studies at The American University of Rome, Italy.

Ashley is currently employed as a tax accountant for one of the prestigious "Big 4" international accounting firms. This MBA's clients include many publicly traded corporations in the life sciences sector as well as many private equity firms.

A classically trained ballerina since childhood, Ashley has won awards for her ballet en pointe interpretations of the "Dying Swan" and the "Kitri Variation" from Don Quixote. Ashley also danced for the Salve Regina Dance Company.

As a professional print and runway model, Ashley has graced the pages of such publications as Town and Country Magazine, Supermodels Unlimited Magazine, and Newport Life Magazine. Ashley has worked the runway during NYC's Fashion Week for Venexiana and during Boston Fashion Week for BEBE, Bless by Bless Couture as well as multiple other designers.

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She has modeled for such companies as Venus Swimwear, Hawaiian Tropic, Chelsea Football Club, Latasia Jewelry and Au Coeur Couture. Ashley recently appeared as a "future girlfriend" in the New Line Cinema film, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past with Matthew McConaughey.

Ashley works as a host of an adventure sports television show called "Northeast Adventures" broadcast on the Cox Sports channel and also available "On Demand". While traveling to some of the most beautiful destinations in Northeast, Ashley has tried her hand at everything from skydiving at 10,000 feet, sailing America's Cup Yachts, deep sea fishing, parasailing, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, paintballing, ocean kayaking, F1 go kart racing, and even touring with a pro cycling team.

What Ashley loves most about the show is putting herself out there and trying new things for the very first time. She might not always be the best at them, but always does them with utmost heart and spirit and enjoys taking her viewers along for the ride.

While attending Salve Regina University in Newport, RI, Ashley was named Miss Rhode Island 2007. While at Miss America 2008, Ashley won the Lifestyle and Fitness Award as well as the first ever Miss Photogenic Award to be given out at Miss America. She was also a Quality of Life finalist for her community and philanthropic efforts.

During her tenure as Miss Rhode Island, Ashley also starred in TLC's reality show, Miss America Reality Check.

A former Miss Connecticut Teen USA 2002, Ashley made history for only the second time in the state of Connecticut, by placing in the Top Ten at Miss Teen USA and ultimately 6th nationally, on the national live broadcast.

Ashley has now become only the 7th Triple Crown winner in pageant history, having held her state title and competed for each Miss Teen USA, Miss USA and Miss America.

Volunteerism and service to others has been one of the most important aspects of Ashley's life for as long as she can remember. Ashley has served as a national Americorps volunteer, and for her various community efforts has the been the recipient of the Feinstein Enriching America Award, Salve Regina Living Mercy Award, President's Volunteer Service Award, Congressional Award for Volunteer Public Service, named to Who's Who in America, and Who's Who Among American Women.

Ashley was recently asked to serve on the board as a member of the audit and finance committee for the Hope Funds for Cancer Research Inc. non-profit organization which she has been a part of for several years.

Ashley took her philanthropic endeavors internationally when she traveled to Ghana, West Africa and served as an American Red Cross HIV/AIDS Instructor in a small fishing village. In addition to working with children while she was there, Ashley also toured a Liberian Refugee Camp with members from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

As a result of this trip that changed her life, Ashley founded the Global Women's Micro-Finance Coalition Inc. non-profit organization. Looking for a way to permanently change the women's lives she met and capitalize upon her business education and MBA degree, Ashley raises money to provide women in developing countries with small business grants and training to pursue their dreams.

Throughout her year as Miss Connecticut USA 2010, Ashley will travel the state as a goodwill ambassador, continuing her philanthropic work as well as attending special events.

Overall, Ashley is extremely proud at having been chosen to represent the state of Connecticut and was thrilled to compete in the 2010 Miss USA Pageant.