Meet Ashley Clark, the 71st Miss New Bedford: Advocate, Artist, and Proud New Bedford Native

Ashley Clark, the newly crowned Miss New Bedford 2024, is thrilled to represent the city she calls home. With a background in fashion design, a commitment to voter education, and a deep love for New Bedford’s community and culture, Ashley is ready to make her mark as the 71st titleholder.

Using Her Voice for Voter Empowerment

Ashley’s Community Service Initiative (CSI) centers on empowering others through voter education and advocacy. “There are so many people who do not fully understand the power of their voice and how lucky we are that we get to use it to decide how our country, states, and even cities/towns are run,” she says. Her goal is to help New Bedford residents understand the importance of voting in every election to create the change they want to see. Through her CSI, she aims to educate voters, advocate for their rights, and encourage active participation in elections across all levels of government.

Excitement to Represent New Bedford

Ashley is honored to represent New Bedford, the city where she grew up. “New Bedford is a special place filled with many different people from many different backgrounds,” she explains. “The sense of community in New Bedford is unmatched, and I’m overjoyed to represent my beautiful city.” Her love for the city shines through, and she is eager to connect with residents, sharing her passion for New Bedford’s history, diverse culture, and coastal charm.

A Glimpse into Ashley’s World

Outside her role as Miss New Bedford, Ashley has an artistic side. A 2023 graduate of UMass Dartmouth with a BFA in Fashion Design, she is currently working on a sustainable clothing line, channeling her creativity into projects that are both stylish and environmentally conscious. Additionally, Ashley teaches dance at Erin Rae’s Dance Studio in Westport, MA, where she shares her love for movement and the arts with the next generation of dancers.

Ashley Clark’s journey as Miss New Bedford is just beginning, and she is ready to inspire, advocate, and serve the community that has shaped her. With her passion for civic engagement, commitment to the arts, and pride in her hometown, Ashley is a vibrant new representative for New Bedford.