Ashley Chretien Williams, 32 Assistant Director – Oasis A Safe Haven for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence
Ashley Williams was born and raised in Lake Charles. She began her role at Oasis A Safe Haven for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence (formerly Calcasieu Women’s Shelter) 12 years ago as a volunteer and worked her way up to Assistant Director of the organization. “I advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. I am also responsible for training and supervising survivor and children advocates, addressing family needs, safety planning, educating survivors on the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence and I have facilitated domestic violence support groups for survivors and their children,” she says. During her employment with Oasis, Ashley also worked with the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV) as the Public Policy Coordinator where she provided legislative advocacy on the state and national levels. She was also the Project Coordinator of LCADV’s Children Exposed to Violence Program. “Domestic and sexual violence is real and affects families in our community. I try to be a voice for all victims, but it is the children impacted by violence who hold a special place in my heart. They need people in their lives who will listen, believe, and respect them. I want them to know that they are not alone.” Ashley says being a voice against domestic violence is rewarding by itself, but educating children and young adults about healthy relationships, bullying and signs of domestic violence is what she loves. “When I see that engaging, educating and empowering our young people is saving and changing lives, it truly makes my heart smile.” Ashley volunteers for several community service organizations. She’s a board member of MusicMakers2U, Secretary at LCADV, a member of the Junior League of Lake Charles and the Lake Charles Happy Hour Rotary, and an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Ashley learned the importance of service from her parents. “Watching them give so much of their time and talents growing up taught me that if I can help someone, just do it! I am so grateful that God has given me opportunities to serve Him through serving others. Ashley lives with her husband Markell and her son Mason.
What were you doing 10 years ago? I was a McNeese student and child advocate at Calcasieu Women’s Shelter.
Where would you like to be 10 years from now? I would like to be better version of myself. I hope that I will be a BETTER wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and member of this community. Most importantly, I hope my faith is still my foundation.
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