ABOUT RASHIDA ASHLEY
Rashida Ashley is a multidisciplinary artist writer and creative entrepreneur whose work centers on presence expression and meaningful connection. Across opera acting writing modeling and digital projects she explores how art can ground us invite reflection and create space for transformation.
Rooted in classical training and shaped by contemporary culture Rashida approaches creativity as both craft and inquiry. Her work is guided by intention care and curiosity with a focus on listening to the body honoring story and engaging the moment as it unfolds. Whether onstage on screen or on the page she creates work that values depth embodiment and human connection.
"To bring in a new life you must be willing to let some things end.
The end is the dawn of new love.
Pay attention and study the signs."
LGBTQ+ African American Writer
Opera and Performance
As a classically trained soprano Rashida creates immersive vocal experiences that combine operatic repertoire with storytelling and a modern sensibility. Her performances are designed to resonate beyond the stage offering audiences moments of emotional clarity reflection and shared presence.
Her work has appeared in academic and cultural contexts including conferences curated events and interdisciplinary programs. Rather than treating opera as spectacle alone Rashida approaches performance as encounter grounded expressive and responsive to both audience and space.
Acting and Screen Work
Rashida’s acting practice extends her commitment to embodiment presence and narrative truth. With experience in film television and theatre she brings grounded realism and expressive subtlety to each role allowing character to emerge through observation listening and physical awareness.
Her screen work includes appearances across major television productions and independent projects where she has portrayed a wide range of characters in contemporary urban and dramatic settings. Onstage her theatrical background includes musical theatre and dramatic roles that further inform her work as a performer across mediums.
Trained in both vocal performance and acting Rashida approaches each role with discipline curiosity and respect for the story being told whether in a principal performance ensemble or background context. Acting for her is not separate from her other work but another way of exploring human experience through presence and responsiveness.
Writing and Thought Leadership
Rashida is a creative writer blogger and digital strategist whose writing explores the intersections of art leadership and identity. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from New York University where she developed a literary practice focused on transformation purpose and creative empowerment.
Her written and digital work includes collaborations with organizations such as The MRKT Edelman and Synergetic Operas producing articles and multimedia content centered on education artistry and social impact. She has also contributed to initiatives at NYU’s Production Lab and Entrepreneurial Institute where she developed programs in personal branding and inclusive entrepreneurship.
Rashida’s feature Fostering Community at the 2023 Inclusive Founders Forum published by the NYU Entrepreneurial Institute highlights innovation diversity and leadership among underrepresented founders. Her work has been featured in Black Women in Media and Bronze Magazine and she received the CREA Global Award in 2023 for innovation and impact in the arts.
Through her writing Rashida explores creativity as a tool for clarity connection and collective growth illuminating how storytelling can support both personal and communal transformation.
Modeling and Visual Expression
In her modeling work Rashida brings the same intentionality and embodiment that define her performance and writing practices. Her approach emphasizes movement form and expressive presence allowing each image to function as both visual composition and narrative gesture.
Her experience includes runway and editorial work with a focus on collaborations that value concept artistry and thoughtful creative direction.
A Unified Creative Practice
While Rashida’s work spans multiple disciplines it is guided by a single creative philosophy. Opera acting writing modeling and digital storytelling are not separate pursuits but interconnected expressions of the same inquiry how art can help us slow down feel more deeply and engage with ourselves and others more intentionally.
Across mediums she is guided by clarity curiosity and care. Her work values presence over speed depth over spectacle and connection over performance creating experiences that invite reflection embodiment and shared understanding.
Rashida is available for performances acting opportunities collaborations speaking engagements and creative projects.
For inquiries please use the contact page to begin the conversation.
Beauty belongs to everyone.
Art is a language of the soul.
I am honored to share mine with you.
Join me on this journey of sound, story, and imagination.
With love and light,
Rashida Ashley
