Building a Legacy: How Stephens College Helped Ashley Inez Turn Possibility into Purpose
A Nontraditional Path to College
Walking across the stage at graduation with her daughter in hand was a dream Ashley Inez ’25 never thought would be possible – a dream she didn’t even know she had until she found herself searching for her next step after leaving the military. Pregnant and navigating life as a veteran, Ashley was looking for more than a degree. She was looking for a place to belong.
“When I first started here, I didn’t think I was going to graduate,” she said. As an eight-month pregnant veteran, Ashley was looking for her next step. “I didn’t have work lined up, and I knew my education wasn’t finished.”
That search head her to Stephens College, where she met Elizabeth Herrera, the Executive Director of Mission Promise Kept, a program designed to support women veterans through education, community and comprehensive resources. With that support, Ashley found the confidence to return to school, balance motherhood and build a future on her own terms.
In May 2025, Ashley graduated from Stephens College with a degree in Business Administration and a focus in entrepreneurship. With the support of Mission Promise Kept and Stephens College faculty, she didn’t just complete her education – she laid the foundation for a career rooted in creativity, service and leadership.
Finding Community Through Mission Promise Kept
For Ashley, the transition from military life to college was anything but traditional. Like many veterans, she was searching for kinship and stability. “We’re always looking for a space to occupy,” Ashley said, “we’re looking for our people.”
At Stephens, Ashley found that sense of belonging through Mission Promise Kept. From start, Elizabeth Herrera welcomed her in and helped her connect with other women veterans on campus.
“She showed me what I was capable of,” Ashley said, “she was really good at putting you with your people.”
That community became essential – especially when Ashley’s daughter was born just weeks before classes began.
Support That Met Her Where She Was
When the semester started, Ashley was caring for a newborn while beginning her college career. Through Mission Promise Kept, she received childcare support, flexible scheduling and understanding from faculty and staff across campus.
“If I need extra time, my professors gave it to me,” she said, “If I needed to bring my baby to class, they understood – and they interacted with her too!”
For Ashley, that level of care reshaped what college could look like. “I didn’t feel like a burden,” she said, “I felt wanted. I felt welcomed here.”
When moments of doubt surfaced, Stephens met her with compassion.
“Any time I asked for help, someone helped me slow things down or restructure things so I could succeed,” and she said that made her feel safe.
A Graduation That Meant More
Graduation day marked more than the completion of a degree – it marked the realization of something Ashley once thought was out of reach. Ashley said that day felt surreal, “I can’t believe I did this – and I can’t believe I did this with my daughter.”
Walking across the stage together was a powerful moment of legacy. “I joined the military to leave a legacy, and Stephens helped me build upon that legacy for my daughter,” said Ashley.
As an all-women’s college, Stephens held an even deeper meaning. “I want my daughter to see herself in those pictures,” Ashley said – strong, capable and supported.
Turning Education into Entrepreneurship
That foundation became immediately visible after graduation. Ashley launched La Bruja, a Latin American food pop-up in Columbia, Mo., that has quickly built a following among locals and fellow veterans.
The idea for La Bruja was born in Ashley’s business classes at Stephens. She developed her business plan with feedback from professors and even created the pop-up’s tagline in class: Bold Latin Flavors. Bewitching Taste.
“Stephens was the foundation of my business,” said Ashley, “that’s what makes it strong.”
Hosting pop-ups during First Fridays in Columbia’s North Village Arts District, Ashley has helped create a welcoming, accessible space that brings people together through food and culture.
Creativity, Confidence & What Comes Next
Alongside La Bruja, Ashley is also pursuing a tattoo apprenticeship – another opportunity rooted in her time at Stephens. Through Mission Promise Kept, she secured an internship at a local tattoo studio, where she learned both the art and the business behind the craft.
“Business is an art form,” said Ashley. “Stephens helped me understand how creativity and entrepreneurship work together.”
Today, Ashley balances motherhood, entrepreneurship and artistry with the structure she gained from military service and the confidence she built at Stephens College.
When asked if she would recommend Stephens College and Mission Promise Kept to other veterans, her answer was immediate. “It doesn’t just give you an education,” she said, “it builds your confidence.”
Ashley is proud to be a Stephens alum – and through the legacy she is building for herself and her daughter, Stephens College remains at the heart of her story.
