Winter Garden resident, beauty queen helping to change lives

Eleven years ago, Winter Garden resident Ashley Sweder was lost. 

She had no confidence or sense of self-worth, and found herself trapped in an abusive relationship she believed she deserved. She never thought she would escape or deserve anything more. At her lowest point, she tried to end her own life.

When she awoke in the hospital, there was no magical moment of clarity, no fairytale ending, only the stark reality that she faced two choices — to give up or to fight. 

In seeking emotional support, Sweder discovered something — she wasn’t alone.

“A doctor in the hospital told me, ‘Even if you feel worthless, you must be worth more than what you’re going through,’” Sweder said. “They emphasized the decision to fight for my life was mine alone to make. I realized my life was not a fairytale. No one was coming to save me, and there would be no magical resolution. To change my path, I knew I had to work hard every single day, surround myself with positive influences, find a supportive partner and reach out for help. I realized I was one of millions around the globe who had lost their way.

“Today, as we navigate a world shaped by the advancements of AI and technology and witness a decline in genuine human connection, suicide rates continue to climb,” she said. “The day I decided to share my story with the world, I was overwhelmed by the response. Many reached out, sharing their own stories of loved ones lost to suicide or struggling with mental health. This was the turning point in my journey.”

Sweder now serves as a role model for all. In 2023, she was crowned Mrs. Winter Garden, and in 2024, she was crowned Mrs. Albania World. She also is a fitness model, a survivor of domestic abuse and suicide, a person with autism, a wife, and a mother. She uses her platform — Fearless & Fabulous — to help advocate for women’s empowerment, autism awareness and the beauty of self-worth. 

“Growing up, many of us feel the pressure to fit in, to look a certain way or to be perfect, especially in the age of social media,” she said. “For so long, I struggled with my self-worth, battling the heavy weight of self-doubt, anxiety and eventually fell victim to abuse that tore away at my confidence. But I survived. Fearless & Fabulous is not just my pageant slogan — it’s my mission. It’s about triumph over life’s hardest battles and emerging stronger. It’s for every little girl and woman who feels like she’s not enough.”

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TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

Sweder graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology. While in school, she worked overnight at UPS, loading and unloading trailers to fund her education. During this time, she also interned at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office in the victim witness unit, often managing just five hours of sleep a week. 

After graduation, she transitioned into management at UPS, starting as a preload supervisor and advancing to driving supervisor. She played a key role in launching the Orion system, which saved UPS $50 million in its first year. This experience led her to Amazon, where she was drawn to the company’s innovative vision after touring their facility. She joined Amazon as a manager in a robotics facility and has spent the last 10 years advancing to the role of regional director of operations, overseeing operations across parts of the United States and Canada.

Although she has achieved much success in her personal life, the milestones did not come without significant challenges. One of the greatest challenges Sweder faced started when she was only a child.

“I endured significant bullying,” she said. “Being tall and, frankly, awkward made me a target at school. This experience deeply impacted my confidence and initiated a downward spiral of low self-worth. My defense mechanism became running and hiding from uncomfortable situations rather than confronting them. As I grew older, this lack of self-worth attracted unhealthy relationships, ultimately leading me into an abusive situation.”

Her experiences sparked the birth of the Fearless & Fabulous movement, which aims to help young people see their worth and equip them with the tools to build confidence and resilience. 

“It’s about challenging societal pressures, redefining self-worth and empowering women to live fully,” she said. “I created this movement for every girl and woman who has doubted her strength, questioned her value or felt bound by others’ expectations. In a world that often tells us who to be, Fearless & Fabulous asks one question: Who are YOU meant to be? … Your life is worth more than you know. Each of us carries a unique story, a unique power and endless potential.”

The movement has helped guide Sweder in her pageantry journey. 

“Being named Mrs. Albania World is an honor that transcends personal recognition,” she said. “It embodies the values of family, tradition and community that are so important to Albanians.”

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WHO ARE YOU MEANT TO BE?

As part of her movement, Sweder is passionate about highlighting the misconceptions perpetuated by social media, movies and TV shows. 

“Most people’s lives are filled with struggles — setbacks, mistakes, financial troubles and loss,” she said. “Life is not always glamorous, and it can often be hard and messy. That’s why I’m passionate about fostering open conversations and breaking the stigma around mental health. It’s OK not to be OK. It’s OK to make poor decisions and learn from them. We need to recognize 99% of what we see on social media is curated and not reflective of reality.”

Fitness has played a large role in Sweder celebrating her own journey. She said it has been a cornerstone of her life, serving as a therapeutic escape. 

“While they say you can’t run from your problems, I find solace in running, becoming faster and stronger every day,” she said. “The gym is my sanctuary, a place where I can go when I’m upset or tired. The weights don’t judge me, the track doesn’t judge me — it’s just me and my thoughts. Fitness also has become a way for me to empower other women. I train women to build muscle, gain strength and achieve their goals.”

Sweder said sharing her own struggles has helped other women feel seen and inspired to embrace their owner journeys, and she encourages other women to do the same. 

“For much of my life, I have been my own worst critic and greatest enemy,” she said. “In listening to others, I’ve discovered a universal truth — understanding and valuing our self-worth is vital to achieving success. Our minds are incredibly powerful; whether we believe we can or cannot, we are right. 

“To earn the respect of others, we must first choose to show ourselves grace and accept we may not fit the idealized images we see in the news or on Instagram,” she said. “Young women are frequently exposed to unrealistic portrayals of perfection online, but the truth is no one is flawless. Everyone has blemishes and grapples with their own challenges. By being honest about these experiences, we can help foster a healthier perspective on beauty and self-worth.”

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WILL TO PERSEVERE

Currently, Sweder lives in Winter Garden with her husband, Daniel, 5-year-old daughter, Danica, and 6-year-old rescue chihuahua mix, Chi Chi.

When choosing a place to live in Florida, Sweder said finding a family-friendly community was a priority. 

“Winter Garden stood out for its diversity in culture, age groups and extracurricular activities, all while maintaining strong moral values,” she said. “It’s a beautiful, safe area ideal for raising a family. I vividly remember our move from New Jersey. While running outside, I felt completely at ease, without the stress of worrying about my surroundings. Our decision to enroll our daughter at Winter Garden Christian Academy has been equally rewarding, as the school reflects the very diversity and strong values we cherish.”

When Sweder reflects back on her proudest achievements, some might expect her to cite her career milestones or financial successes. However, as she grows older, she’s come to realize material accomplishments hold little significance. 

“The greatest achievements in my life are the positive changes I've made in the lives of others — the individuals I’ve inspired to work hard, pursue their dreams and become better versions of themselves,” she said. “It is these connections and the impact I've had on people that truly resonate with me and stay close to my heart.”

Moving forward, Sweder’s goal is to continue working to remove the stigma surrounding mental health discussions. 

“It’s crucial to understand it's OK not to be OK sometimes,” she said. “We need to create a safe space for these conversations, to come together and support one another through life’s challenges. Let us fight for a world where we can openly share our struggles and empower each other to keep going.

“If you take away anything from what I’ve shared, let it be this: I’m not suggesting that simply changing your mindset will automatically lead to success,” Sweder said. “That would be misleading. What I am saying is if you're willing to fight and make a genuine effort to work on yourself, there is a community of people ready to support you. They will stand by you every time you stumble and help you rise again to continue your journey. I am a human being, just like you, and I encounter failures every single day. There’s nothing extraordinary about me; what we all possess is the resilience of the human spirit. Remember, nothing in this world is stronger than your will to persevere.”