Conference Insight: Ashley John-Baptiste – a true inspiration

Ashley grew up in South London, where at the age of four he was taken into care. He grew up being shuttled between foster families and children’s homes and moved primary school three times. A bright student, he attended a comprehensive school which had three times the number of children from deprived backgrounds than the national average. There, he battled to win a place at Cambridge University where he graduated with a 2:1 in History. Whilst at Cambridge, Ashley acted as a mentor to other students who grew up in care.

Broadcaster, TV presenter and inspirational speaker, many will also remember Ashley as the member of boy band group The Risk who famously quit ITV’s X Factor during the live final show, in order to pursue a career in media.

Ashley tells the compelling, inspiring and sometimes humorous story of his childhood and how to your achieve goals, follow your dreams and never give up. He has enormous enthusiasm and passion to use his story as a tool to motivate and propel others to face their challenges with a sense of optimism and triumph.

Ashley is an ambassador for The Fostering Network charity and the founder of the online charity Be Inspired, supporting young people leaving care and helping them fulfil their aspirations.

DAG is delighted that Ashley will be speaking at our annual conference on Saturday 4th November 2023, at Exeter Race Course. The theme of the conference is ‘Making an impact through good governance’, come and join us at our free event and be inspired, book your place via the DAG website www.dagdevon.uk.  Early booking is recommended as places are limited.