Winner Profiles

Name: Ashley Bickford
Title: Miss Rhode Island 2007
Hometown: Newport, Rhode Island

Education: Salve Regina University - Master of Business Administration (May 2008)
Salve Regina University - Bachelor of Science in Accounting, 2007
Torrington High School, 2003
Platform Issue: The kNOw HIV/AIDS Campaign – Know, Prevent, Care, Cure
Scholastic/Career Ambition: To attain CPA certification and earn a Juris Doctorate
To become CEO of an international non-profit organization
Talent: Ballet en Pointe – "Kitri Variation", Act III, Don Quixote
Scholastic Honors: Four Time Dean's Academic Scholarship Recipient; National Dean's List; Alpha Mu Alpha Honor Society Member; VIA Scholar; Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities; International Collegiate Scholar – Delegation on Business; Bertha Temple Scholarship Recipient; National Honor Society Member
Leadership Roles: Founder of the African Women's Micro-Finance Coalition; Salve Regina University Student Government Senator; VP of Finance for award winning collegiate chapter of the American Marketing Association; Executive Director of Operations for Dancing for Children; American Red Cross HIV/AIDS Instructor; National Americorps Volunteer; University Tour Guide and Student Ambassador; First Year Experience Mentor; H.S. Class President; Positive Role Model through Child and Family Services
Accomplishments: Feinstein Enriching America Award 2007; President's Volunteer Service Award; Congressional Award for Volunteer Public Service; Miss America State Community Service Award 2006; Awarded acceptance to accelerated MBA program at Salve Regina University; Who's Who Among American Women 2005; Who's Who in America 2007; Raise Your Voice Campaign "Real Change" Grant Recipient; Salve Regina Living Mercy Award
Interesting Facts: I have served as an International AIDS Volunteer in Ghana, West Africa.  I once lived in Rome, Italy for a summer while I studied abroad. I have studied classical ballet for 15 years and the ballet performance I'm most proud of was dancing the lead role of "Clara" in The Nutcracker.  I have walked the runway during New York City's fashion week.  I have also modeled internationally with such companies as Venus Swimwear, Hawaiian Tropic, and the world renowned Chelsea Football Club.
Employment: Accounting and Auditing Intern at Kahn, Litwin, Renza & Co., Ltd., Certified Public Accountants and Business Consultants
Marketing Plan: I plan to foster lasting and meaningful relationships with organizations throughout Rhode Island as well as nationally to inform the community not only about my platform, but the importance of the Miss Rhode Island and Miss America Organizations.  My personal integrity and passion for life will contagiously spread the spirit of both organizations to whomever I network with throughout my year of service.  My experience with public speaking, marketing, fundraising and educating will provide the foundation needed for my year of service in Rhode Island.  My experience will also help me to dispel common stereotypes and poignantly voice the mission of the Miss Rhode Island Scholarship Program to build new partnerships and gain new sponsors for our program.
Legacy: I will be remembered as a Miss Rhode Island who transformed the quality of life for Rhode Islanders and all Americans through the kNOw HIV/AIDS Campaign.  I will be seen as a Miss Rhode Island who had a lifelong dedication to her state and platform, and worked unremittingly for both.  I will be an inveterate champion of persistence, passion and platform.
Why I should be Miss Rhode Island this year: The national Miss America Organization has undergone many changes within the last few years to re-brand its image.  I am a modern, empowered woman of the 21st century who is ready to take on the honor and challenge of being Miss Rhode Island and leading the organization into the next era.  I am a genuine representative of the core values of the program, standing strong for the four points of the crown.  Through action, I have proven the four points of scholarship, success, style and service.