One night on a dark New Orleans street, Ashley was held at gunpoint. But instead of panicking, she did something unexpected—she hugged the mugger. That moment of compassion wasn’t random; it was the result of a life shaped by trauma and healing. Ashley had learned that unhealed pain often repeats across generations, and she was determined to break that cycle—for herself and others.

With a Harvard background in data and AI, Ashley could have chosen a traditional path. Instead, she built Persephone AI—a discreet, encrypted app that helps domestic violence survivors safely document abuse, create escape plans, and stay in control of their stories. It’s a lifeline for those with nowhere else to turn. Now, Ashley is calling on all of us—advocates, technologists, and everyday allies—to stand with survivors and bring real safety into the digital age. Join the movement. Share the message. Be part of the change.

Learn more: https://persephone.ai

Connect with Jen:
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Facebook:
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Website:
https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935

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Purchase my book or Audiobook: Why I Survived: How Sharing My Story Helped Me Heal from Dating Abuse, Armed Robbery, Abduction, and Other Forms of Trauma by Jennifer Lee
https://whyisurvived.com/

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