Ashley McDonough combined her passions of storytelling, culture and travel, launching FREE travel app, Melanin On the Map. With her love of culture and experiences McDonough wanted to create a safe space that not only created travel opportunities for ALL minorities but changed the way the world views minority travel. Ashlei s a Howard University journalism graduate, published journalist, producer and writer. Her experience in the media industry has allowed her to obtain skills from research, interviewing, production, hosting and analytics of social media. A storyteller at heart, McDonough has produced and written thousands of culture based content at some of the top media outlets in the country. Such as Billboard, ESSENCE Magazine and Will Packer Productions XoNecole.
What You Will Hear:
The root of Ashley’s passion for travel and love for culture.
Ashley’s need for travel and desire to be an entrepreneur and it’s connection to her family’s legacy and migrant roots.
The access to and impact of travel.
The experience of the black American traveler.. Safety.
The Green Book vs. Melanin on the Map
Therapy and maintaining a healthy life.
The effects of the pandemic on Ashley’s new budding travel business
Changing the narrative through communication and conversations
Quotes
“I have this deep passion for travel because it shows you that there is more to life, it shows you that there is life outside of you and your city and your people and your network.”
“You do have a say in what you want your life to look like.”
“The black travel experience is very specific.”
“I am existing blatantly for what my blackness looks like and connecting with others whose blackness looks the same.”
Mentioned:
The Green Book
iG @ashley_milani
@melaninonthemap
App store Melanin on the Map