I'm Ashley Philavong. I see myself as a simple Midwestern girl who challenges everything about what being a simple Midwestern girl is. I am a transgender 20 year old who grew up in Kansas with Lao, Thai, and Cambodian heritage and influences. I was in college for years before I stopped going to school due to mental health issues, but I've met so many wonderful people through my job, my scholarships, and my sorority. I'm super nerdy, super funny, and super bad at taking care of my own basic needs. I love people despite everything and people love me despite everything.

I think this is a great opportunity to showcase the amazing beauty and talents of those who aren't normally given the opportunity. I think it's so important to show off different types of people outside of the majority that we are constantly shown off to.

I've gone through so much pain and trauma, but from that I've gained a terrifying confidence in myself. If someone like me were to be the new face of Fashion Hero, then it would show people that you can be different from everyone around you and still be confident in everything about you. It doesn't matter what kind of upbringing or environment you're in, you can still be true to yourself. I represent pride in being first generation South East Asian, pride in queerness, and pride in mental health. I'm different and I'm challenging, which is exactly what we need right now.