About Me
The Heart Behind the Work
Dayna-Ashley Dorsey, widely known as Little Orphan Ashley, is a national advocate, speaker, and founder leading a powerful multi-platform movement focused on youth protection, trauma prevention, and life pathway transformation.
Her story began in a hospital room—born prematurely in the NICU while her mother battled ovarian cancer. After her mother’s passing, Ashley entered the foster care system at just 15 months old, an experience that would later shape her life’s mission and advocacy.
Today, she stands as a voice for the voiceless—transforming lived experience into measurable impact across communities nationwide. In addition to underserved populations internationally in Africa, Belize, Cuba and Jamaica.
Creating and providing opportunity isn’t just what I do—it’s the space where I feel most alive, connected, and true to myself.
Every role I take on is rooted in a deeper mission—to uplift others and turn visions into reality.
My Mission
Purpose Through Pain
“When a mother dies, a daughter doesn’t stop mourning-it becomes a fire that fuels her fight, a legacy she refuses to let die.”
“The loss of my mother to ovarian cancer left a void that has shaped my entire life. In her memory, I made a promise: her life and her story of love and sacrafice would not be in vain.”
Dayna-Ashley now serves as an advocate leader with the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, and the statewide facilitator for the Survivors Teaching Students® program honoring her mother’s legacy by fighting for awareness, research, and equitable access to care. She uses her voice to educate, empower, and drive change. Believing that sharing stories of survival is not just powerful—it’s life-saving. Healing brings hope, and hope has the power to rewrite futures.
A vow to honor my mother’s life guides my mission.
I raise awareness, advocate and educate others about ovarian and gynecological cancers. Sharing stories to heal, empower, and inspire.
Offering resources- genetic testing, 1:1 counseling services, peer mentoring and support series workshops.
My Heartbeat
Driven by Love and Purpose
“When we fail to shield the innocent, we align not with heaven—but with the enemy. God calls us to be warriors for the voiceless & fatherless, defenders of His precious ones.”
“My children—and all God’s children inspire me daily, and supporting their dreams has fueled my own. Little Orphan Ashley, a heartfelt and empowering book series collection. This series was created especially for foster youth and adoptees to shed light on the emotional experiences of children navigating the foster care system—offering hope, representation, and the message that they are never alone. It’s meant to inspire resilience, self-worth, and the belief that their stories matter too.”
Dayna-Ashley is a 2x orphan, NICU survivor, and foster care survivor, who has turned adversity into authority. She is a 3x published author of the Little Orphan Ashley book series and a sought-after speaker, known for delivering powerful, purpose-driven messages that inspire action across communities, institutions, and leadership spaces.
Her voice bridges the gap between lived experience and systemic change—making her a trusted leader in both grassroots and national conversations. She is the founder of the Little Orphan Ashley Camp, which exclusively serves foster care youth. The mission is to serve as a catalyst for young individuals navigating the system to discover their inner worth, develop a strong sense of identity, and unlock their full potential thru healing artistry. Designed as a legacy initiative, the program aims to empower and transform generations of youth for years to come.
My Work
Empowering the Next Generation
