We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashleigh Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashleigh, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m originally from North Carolina but was raised in Georgia, and my upbringing played a major role in shaping who I am today. Being raised by Marine parents in a faith-centered household instilled in me a deep sense of discipline, compassion, and resilience. My parents had high expectations for me, which pushed me to continuously strive for excellence in everything I pursued. They not only supported my dreams but also encouraged me to embrace my identity, stand firm in my values, and advocate for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves.

My father taught me the importance of responsibility and structure, lessons that have guided me in both my personal and professional life. My mother, on the other hand, showed me the power of love, acceptance, and inclusion—values that have shaped my passion for diversity and cultural responsiveness. These core beliefs are at the heart of my business. Through my work in ABA and my mission to provide culturally responsive services and resources, I strive to create spaces where families and practitioners feel seen, valued, and supported.

The foundation my parents built in me is why I am so passionate about bridging the gap in autism services for the BIPOC community. I know firsthand the importance of representation and inclusivity, and I want to ensure that every family and child receives the support they deserve. My business is more than just a career—it’s a reflection of my upbringing, my values, and my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is built on the foundation of representation, inclusivity, and impact. I provide culturally responsive ABA resources and consulting to ensure that BIPOC families and practitioners have access to tools that truly reflect their own cultural values and identity. What sets my business apart is its deep-rooted commitment to diversity in autism support, something that has been missing in the field for too long.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy—the lack of diverse resources and awareness made it clear that change was needed. I overcame challenges by staying true to my mission, connecting with my community, and continuously learning how to best serve them. Along the way, I’ve learned that representation isn’t just important—it’s essential in creating meaningful change in the lives of children and families.

I want the world to know that my brand is about more than just business—it’s about advocacy, education, and empowerment. My story is one of passion and purpose, and I’m excited to continue pushing for a future where every child gets the support they deserve, no matter their background.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I may be a little biased, but I believe I live in the best city on the SE coast. Atlanta is a place for everyone. Being the foodie that I am, we’d either start with wings and fries from J.R. Crickets or Hibachi and sushi from Kiku. You can’t go wrong with good wings or good rice!! Our next stop would be through Little Five Points to do some vintage shopping. I love learning and entertainment, so the Atlanta Zoo, The High Museum, or the Fox Theater are on the top of the list! We’d end the night with dinner and drinks at Yebo or STK.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my children. They deserve all the credit and recognition behind the business I’ve created. Their kindness, genuine hearts, and presence in this world inspired me to reform the education system—to make it more inclusive, equitable, and reflective of them. They motivated me to ensure that all children receive what they need and deserve. More than anything, they push me to be a mother they can look up to and be proud of every single day.

Website: https://www.thebrownbehaviorista.com

Instagram: @TheBrownBehaviorista

Twitter: @TheBrownBehaviorista

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