It’s easy to talk about startups and entrepreneur support in terms of businesses, organizations, and economic impact. But what makes Startup Champions Network unique is our focus on the people behind that work: the individuals who pour themselves into helping ventures, founders, and communities grow.
At its core, innovation is about improving people’s lives and building stronger, more resilient communities. And at the heart of our community is Ashley Ray.
Every year, SCN visits new cities for Summits. Every year, we welcome new members, new leaders, and new board members.
And every year, Ashley is our constant.
Behind the scenes, Ashley is making things happen, telling our story, supporting our members, and keeping SCN’s mission front and center.
She embodies the humility, kindness, and dedication that make ecosystem building possible. In fact, Ashley likely would never have agreed to let us share this story, so we waited until she was out of the country to surprise her with what so many of us already know: we are deeply grateful for everything she does for the board, our members, and the communities we serve around the world.
This fall, we’re especially excited that SCN will host its Summit in Richmond, Virginia, Ashley’s home ecosystem.
So this year, let’s celebrate Ashley by gathering in the community she calls home, learning from the ecosystem she has helped champion, and honoring the kind of behind-the-scenes leadership that makes this work possible.
Join us for the Fall 2026 Richmond Summit, September 29 through October 1.
