It is easy to talk about poverty... Hard to live it. | Ashley Williams | TEDxGuatemalaCity

People in the Ghetto, need a second chance. Ashley describes her life helping ¨dangerous¨ people.
Ashley is an “out of the box” thinker. Ashley meets challenges of any sort head on with hope, faith, strength, and perseverance. Ashley has overcome significant personal obstacles which continue to shape who she is and her vision for the future. Her passion is to bring education and work opportunities to those who otherwise would have none. Ashley’s objective is to create sustainable change in communities stuck in the cycle of poverty. She moved to Guatemala solo when she was 18 years old to start this work. Ashley has lived in Guatemala City for 9 years and has built a nonprofit organization, Hope Renewed International, that brings education, trade skills, jobs, and basic life necessities to residents living in the Guatemala City dump, ghetto, prisons, and orphanages. Ashley’s work is her heart beating outside of her body.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@uchennakalu3258]

Well done Ashley. All I have for you is admiration for your work, your courage and the life you have chosen. Thank you. I live in Nigeria and sometimes I get mad at the type that will come from Europe and America with their messianic arrogance and want to tell you what is wrong with you when they have no clue about your world. Thank you and may God continue to help you.

[@AshleyWilliamsGuatemala]

Thank you so much for your message.

[@dgcclan9445]

I used to be very sanctimonious and prejudice against people in poverty or "on the doll " as I used to say. Then I had to live it. Completely obliterated my old perspective on life and what works to "help the poor". Many of the people I coexisted with in that situation are trapped in cyclical poverty because there simply aren't enough hours in the day do what needs to be done rise out of it on your own, hard working people who barely hesitate to share what they have, sometimes gotten dy "dishonest" means. The only reason we got out was because we had family that were capable of giving us food and shelter while we worked and saved. There were so many different hands that were nessasary for us to do what we did in getting a home, cars, proper clothing and health care, getting off of government assistance, able to make an "honest" living. So many people don't have anyone to help them rise and still do it, those people astound me, and as far as those that don't rise I will never judge them again and do whatever I can to see they get the dignity and opportunities they need and deserve.

[@heberfenderful]

God bless this young lady, a true gem and inspiration

[@gino007able]

If we only had 250 million people like you in the states. You are the foundation of true life. Keep safe and wish you all the best.

[@lolaapelt8616]

You go girl..who can do what you've done? Who WOULD do what you've done? Way to be a pioneer! Most people watch from a safe computer...but you're there...in real life. Not a typical story-that's why Ted chose you. When you have a calling....just know...there will always be opposition. It's all good though....my beautiful husband says.."If nobody's talkin about ya, you're not really doing anything big" Awesome right? He's a pretty darn cool dude in his own right. Strength and persevere to you . Xoxo :)

[@AshleyWilliamsGuatemala]

Thank you!!!

[@mohamedhisham4816]

What an inspiring story !. You are giving the best years of your life for the needy. I bow my head. Wish you all the very best.

[@saldiviajones1]

I am writing a novel centered on confronting poverty in my wife's home country of Venezuela. Your story is amazing. I'd love to talk more with you about your experiences.

[@besh4mboro]

Some woman for one woman. An inspiration for others. So brave honest creative empathic and true to her cause. Amazing what she went through to pursue her goals. She told her story beautifully. Let her become an example for other young people and old. She nicely fitted it in that her countries policies towards the 3rd world were not necessarily working and hand outs arent a long term solution to better any society. alternative Everyone needs to be involved in something positive whether you're rich or poor to make the world a safer better place. Nothing but respect for such caring person she gets my vote all day. Stay blessed.

[@ranelamakes8643]

Beautiful TEDx talk! I appreciate your sincerity. I especially liked your last sentence: when we judge our government, when we judge our people, we're really only judging ourselves.

[@geraldmitchell4833]

This story brought tears to my eyes.

[@freakinfrugal5268]

What an amazing young lady!

[@latecustomer]

I'm sad to see all the hateful comments at the end of the talk, and remember that people like that honestly believe they are "good" people. Ashley, you're an angel to those you help, and a better person than most people will ever be.

[@AshleyWilliamsGuatemala]

LateCustomer thank you so much 😊

[@yechanlee4727]

So inspiring and touching thank you for your commitment and love in Christ for the neighbors in Guatemala

[@alantnbm]

increíble, Ashley! sos grande! seguí ayudando tanto a nuestro país y siempre teikirizi & pa'lante!

[@karmensitta4536]

Courageous girl!courageous ones(with brains ofcourse) are the ones who bring change by risking their lives,I salute you🙏

[@leiladiallo1639]

Your work is truly worth sharing and inspiring. I wish you the best and hope you can accomplish even more for your people. Because, in the end, we all are more willing to trust and belive OUR people, people we know and share the struggles. A great deal of the change must come from within and you were part of them. Good luck, may God help you!

[@bartcox274]

Thank you. you have more courage than I had in simular situations. I agree with you. May God bless You

[@darkpearl88]

@17:05 It's not that the people had her back, but God (the real God -- Love) had her back.

[@vserena-rose4633]

Your story is amazing Ashley, bless your heart ❤️

[@AshleyWilliamsGuatemala]

Thank you Venessa, it means a lot!

[@YellowPineappleHoyas]

I can totally relate to wanting to save the world. I did many of the same things the speaker did.

[@justsydneybrown]

Stay safe in your journey to be the change!

[@lauragomezjimenez2761]

Awesome this video.

[@imoknothanks1467]

God bless you!!

[@yesno8204]

Why am i so full of hate when people like you exist... Great stuff Ashley... O my - now i remember why i am so full of hate - i grew up in a neighborhood like that.... lol

[@AshleyWilliamsGuatemala]

@WinterGirl Exactly! I congratulate you, keep fighting for those without a voice and encouraging others to do the same.

[@khomikoow5994]

Brave

[@lilycreekvegan]

that's awesome you can go to another country to help the poor but my ? is you're from Tennessee why don't you do something to help the poor and change the country you're from as well? very few American parents are able to give their children the lives and opportunities your parents gave you, why not use that to your advantage to explore and help the poverty stricken communities in the Appalachians of your birth/home state as well?

[@AshleyWilliamsGuatemala]

Honestly, I never dreamed as a child of coming to Latin America but this is where the path has taken me and I honestly feel I was born to be here, right where I am. I know there is poverty all over the world and why I did not go back home is because I fell in love with Guatemala.

[@juanchiroy8051]

I wonder if she is single???

[@mayainverse9429]

I like how she keeps saying "we should not judge them" all while she is talking about how she has almost died several times. almost every person she took a picture with is already dead. then acts like the whole place is peaceful great people. like who exactly does she think is doing all the killing? roflmao. THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE LOL.

[@ashleywilliams1016]

You are exactly right, "they" are the ones who shot themselves. My whole point was that "they" were once children who did not ask to be born in such circumstances, just like you and I did not ask to be born where we were born. I know a 13 year old who was first shot in the arm by a stray bullet meant for his dad when he was only 3 years old. His mother and 6 month old brother were also shot right in front of him that day. I may not be rolling on the floor laughing because here it is a very serious situation. My question is what do you think, psychology speaking, kind of mindset these kids have grown up with? And like I said in the video "you can laugh about it, but it is a reality here." It is a nasty, violent cycle and if people do not know about it how can we expect anyone to not judge the situation? They are people with dignity who deserve a chance, they just were born into a completely different world than most who will watch this video. Who are we to judge? If I had grown up there... honestly I do not know who I would be today...

[@desdobreva]

Mana, you should become friends with logic sometimes. It's not that hard.

[@JSampson1991]

Great but weak finish. Stop at Ghandi or create a unique.

[@DenverDeathrock]

TED talkers must talk more about the science, policy and work going on and not about their childhood, parents, their car and funny stories about themselves that aren't funny. Telling the audience that you're a badass, think outside the box and you're doing radical transformative work, and you've been oppressed the whole time makes you look like an arrogant jerk, even if you are all those things and more. I would have like to hear more about her work and organization. Her talking about her saintliness, did nothing for me.

[@AshleyWilliamsGuatemala]

Thanks for your points :) I will take them into account! That was my first public speaking event in years, so as you noted, I have a lot of learning to do. Have a good day and btw I am disappointed I did not convince you I am a saint.....j/k :D

[@Rajo1012]

From my view the talk was perfect. I mean it. Authenticity is a vital ingredient. It was there. People are inspired by personal stories. Giving a pile of scientific or political facts would have been boring for me. And i am an engineer. I am curious about sciences by nature. I want to thank Ashley for sharing so much of her own story. It is through repeated listening to such stories that keeps me encouraged about following my dream. Thank you.

[@eduardof7068]

Ashley Williams In this world full of bad news is very gratifying to meet people like you who with his example of life is an inspiration for many of us

[@angeleahlebrie5170]

What a graceful reply--with a dash of wit! And I don't recall you saying you were a badass. However, badass is, as badass does; therefore, I would definitely call you a badass of the most virtuous kind. :)

[@dlizzy3835]

Yes, because we all know socioeconomic movements are propelled purely by facts and figures, never emotions like compassion or empathy or a deeper understanding of the plight of those affected. I’m sure her methods were appropriate for the audience. I thought her talk was sincere, personable, and powerful. She connected two very different worlds and addressed a major, daunting issue in a way that was not overwhelming. Not easy. Bravo Saint Ashley, you are badass and I’m inspired!

[@janchovanec8624]

Funny, when you are showing poor Romanians you only showed a small minority, that is gypsy community. A bit bias, or racist?

[@AshleyWilliamsGuatemala]

Racist??? You mention race in your comment, not me...