We recently connected with Ashley Lancaster and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

Yes, we are dedicated to serving underserved communities. Regrettably, many individuals who share my background experience systemic injustices, including racism, and are not afforded the same opportunities as other communities. When I first entered the nonprofit sector, I was not fully aware of the profound challenges faced by underserved communities; I only knew that I wanted to help others. My journey began with a ‘Prom Makeover’ initiative, which provided support to a high school senior who excelled academically and socially despite facing financial hardships. The goal was to boost the recipient’s confidence, reinforce the feeling of being cared for, and offer the reassurance that positive outcomes are possible through perseverance and integrity. Since then, I have expanded my efforts to include an annual holiday toy drive, and I am in the process of launching a mentoring program. My aspiration is that those who have benefited from my organization’s initiatives will remember these experiences and be inspired to pay it forward in the future.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Ashley Lancaster, and I am proud to call Houston my home. Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to experience both the highs and lows. Although some may find this perspective unusual, I believe that every experience, whether positive or negative, has contributed to shaping the person I am today. I embrace challenges, as they have strengthened me, broadened my awareness, and deepened my understanding. As a child, I had a natural inclination to support the underdog and share generously, often to a fault. While I am no longer quite as self-sacrificing, the values of giving and caring for others remain central to who I am.

The idea of founding a nonprofit emerged during my junior or senior year in college. At that time, I was a young mother, balancing full-time work and studies, while navigating significant personal challenges. I vividly recall feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of giving up, but my son, Chase, and my dreams of success kept me going. This led to the name ‘Chase’N’Dreams.’ Initially, the concept behind Chase’N’Dreams was to provide young women, like myself, with resources and tools to help them succeed in life. I envisioned a women’s empowerment platform offering job resources for those seeking careers in the corporate sector or entrepreneurship, and this was around 2012 or 2013.

After completing my studies and taking on the responsibility of raising my cousin, I recognized that my nonprofit initiatives could have a greater impact if focused on youth. Consequently, I shifted my mission, and since then, I have dedicated my efforts to supporting that demographic. Chase’N’Dreams aims to assist young people in pursuing their purpose through mentorship, empowerment, education, and care. Our mission is to provide the youth, especially those in inner-city communities, with opportunities and resources that they may not typically have access to.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe that maintaining authenticity has significantly contributed to my reputation in this field, as well as my commitment to carrying out the work without seeking external validation. In a society where social media popularity often dictates behavior, much of what is portrayed can be superficial and disingenuous. However, my passion for the work we do at Chase’N’Dreams is genuine. Each time we fulfill a need or achieve a goal, it reinforces my motivation to continue our mission.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Chase’N’Dreams officially obtained 501(c)(3) status in 2017, marking a significant accomplishment for me. At that time, I was deeply engaged in community activities, although I managed the organization largely on my own. After a few years of laying the groundwork for Chase’N’Dreams, I began to feel overwhelmed and, admittedly, burnt out, as I was funding 90% of the programs myself and had inconsistent support.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought about a profound shift for everyone, including myself. As life came to a standstill, many of us were left to navigate a new and uncertain reality. During this period, I obtained my real estate license and made the decision to pursue a Master’s degree.

I often tell people that COVID-19 was a blessing in disguise for me. The additional time allowed me to refocus, clear my mind, and deepen my spiritual connection. It was through this clarity that I felt guided to enroll in the Community Development graduate program at Prairie View A&M University. This program has been an ideal intersection of my interests in real estate and community work, equipping me with the knowledge to further enhance the impact of my nonprofit initiatives. I consider the pivot I made during the pandemic to have been highly beneficial, as it has reaffirmed my belief that all experiences, even those that appear challenging, ultimately contribute to the greater good.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chasendreamsorg.com
• Instagram: @ChaseNDreamsOrg
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChaseandDreams