Hello, Local Guides!
Today I am thrilled to shine the She Leads spotlight @AshleySundquist a lovely Local Guide from Santa Monica, California. Ashley is a full-time mom and works alongside her husband, Josh who you may know as a motivational speaker and comedian. She loves fitness, live theatre (especially magic shows!), international travel, and going on adventures with her toddler son.
Ashley has a strong background in nonprofit work and community service. She once walked the 300-mile Camino de Santiago with her mom across Spain, and is always seeking new adventures with her young son. She volunteers weekly at a community dinner for 150+ homeless neighbours. In fact, Google recognized her with a “Guiding Stars” award for her dedication to helping others. She’s also a yoga instructor, a world traveler, and passionate about living a healthy, sober lifestyle. Whether she’s helping others through her volunteer work or managing creative campaigns for top brands like Facebook and AppleTV+, Ashley brings heart and energy to everything she does.
When and how did you become a Local Guide?
It started by accident I just loved leaving reviews to highlight great service at local spots. But in 2020, everything changed when I met Joe, a neighbour experiencing homelessness. He told me he needed a map to find local resources, so we teamed up to create a series of Google Maps with info on free meals, showers, mental health services, and more in Los Angeles. Those maps helped hundreds, and Joe has since become a close friend my son even calls him “Uncle Joe.” He just bought his first home, and I truly credit Local Guides for giving me the tools to support him and others in our community.
What inspires you to contribute to Local Guides Connect?
Being a mother is the greatest joy of my life, and I’m constantly exploring new places with my energetic toddler son. We rely on Google Maps every single day to find parks, museums, fire stations, and restaurants anything that keeps him engaged and learning.
Local Guides Connect gives me a space to share how tools like Google Maps help make motherhood just a little easier. I love contributing tips and stories that support other active parents planning their own family adventures!
What is your favourite type of contribution? Why?
I love sharing unique or unexpected ways I’ve used Google Maps to improve daily life like creating custom maps for homeless resources or tracking fun activities with my toddler. These contributions help me strengthen connections in my community and show others how Google Maps can be a powerful tool for both giving back and staying organized.
How do you define leadership, and what does it mean to you?
To me, leadership means leading with love. Every thought, word, and action matters. My faith is the foundation of my life, and I’m grateful for God’s guiding light. I strive to reflect that light in small, everyday ways within my community whether through kindness, service, or simply showing up for others.
In what ways do you lead or make an impact outside of Local Guides Connect?
I’m an active volunteer at The Salvation Army Santa Monica Corps, where I help serve meals and build relationships with our homeless neighbours. I also love being involved at Vintage Church, where I’ve led in several programs including Alpha, Rooted, and V-Kids. Whether it’s through service, mentoring, or community outreach, I’m passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and loved.
What keeps you motivated to lead and contribute?
I’m on a daily mission to make my little corner of the world a bit brighter because let’s be honest, we could all use a little more sunshine, especially in the form of kind, thoughtful neighbours. My toddler son is right there with me in this grand experiment of kindness. Every “Hi, friend!” or “Hi, neighbour!” we share is my way of teaching him that everyone matters even the grumpy guy at the grocery store and secretly, I’m hoping he’ll learn that being a decent human actually makes you ridiculously happy. Fingers crossed he gets the message before he’s a teenager and too cool for “Hi, friend!”
Who inspires you the most, and why?
My husband, Josh, inspires me every day with his wisdom and resilience. He’s faced some of life’s toughest challenges with incredible strength and grace. Josh was a Paralympic ski racer on the U.S. team in 2006, and his athletic determination pushes me to never give up whether it’s during a tough workout or a difficult moment. When I feel like quitting, I think of his perseverance and it reminds me to keep going.
How do you think we can inspire more women to be a part of our community?
I’d love to encourage more moms to get out into the world with their little ones and enjoy all the amazing activities our communities offer! I know it can feel overwhelming and exhausting to be out in public with a cranky baby or toddler I’ve been there too. But moms, we matter and there’s absolutely space for us (and our strollers!) at restaurants, shops, museums, and more. Raising future humans is important work, and Google Maps is a great tool to help us find all the fun, family-friendly spots around town.
Have you faced any challenges? How did you overcome them?
My journey to sobriety began at 22, when I decided to redefine my life beyond the ‘sorority girl’ stereotype and unhealthy habits. It was a major challenge and a turning point toward a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. With the steadfast support of my family, friends, and my AA group in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., I’ve now celebrated 15 years sober. This milestone reflects the strength I found within myself and has brought clarity and deeper connection to my relationships with my husband and son.
What barriers do you face to contribute in community as a woman and how do you overcome them?
Confession: since becoming a mom, my Google Maps contributions have definitely slowed down turns out toddlers and real-time reviews don’t mix! Between chasing tiny humans and managing mini disasters, snapping photos and writing reviews sometimes fall to the bottom of my to-do list. I really miss Local Guides Connect! But even with my hands (and brain) full, I still try to contribute when I can because finding the perfect photo or writing a helpful review brings me so much joy. And hey just recently, I wrote my 605th review!
What message would you like to share with women around the world?
Sisterhood matters we’re all in this together! Supporting each other, sharing our stories, and lifting one another up makes us stronger. No matter where you are, your voice and your kindness make a difference.
Ashley’s story reminds us that leadership is not about titles or grand gestures it’s about showing up with love, resilience, and a genuine desire to make a difference in our communities. Whether through motherhood, volunteering, or using tools like Google Maps to connect and uplift others, Ashley leads by example every day. We’re proud to have her as part of the Local Guides family and excited to see the positive impact she’ll continue to create. Here’s to more kindness, more connection, and more leaders like Ashley lighting the way!
