Ashley McGirt-Adair is the Founder & CEO of Therapy Fund Foundation, an organization designed to destigmatize mental health and increase access to healing through education, advocacy, and therapeutic services. A therapist by training, Ashley has built a movement to build health equity for all.

“Therapy Fund Foundation is often the first and only support for many of the things we do to advance health equity. We are advancing our vision that everyone – regardless of their background – has access to sound mental health services.”

What will the Stanley Creators Fund make possible for Therapy Fund Foundation?

The Stanley Creators Fund grant will help us advance our vision of ensuring that everyone—regardless of their background—has access to sound mental health services. It will amplify our ability to transform lives, eliminate barriers to healing, break cycles of generational trauma, and contribute to building healthier, more equitable communities. Specifically, this funding will allow us to expand our ‘Cycle Breaker’ mental health campaign and invest in operational infrastructure.

Stanley Creators Fund celebrates the Creators, Builders, and Inventors among us. What does it mean to you to be a Creator, Builder, and Inventor?

Being the creator of the Therapy Fund Foundation means embracing a role that combines vision, purpose, and action. It involves recognizing a gap in access to mental health care, particularly for historically excluded Black communities, and imagining a future where those barriers no longer exist. It’s about crafting an organization that not only addresses immediate needs but also builds a legacy of sustained healing, empowerment, and equity.

What drives you? Or, said differently, what’s your “why?”

My why is deeply rooted in the belief that healing is our birthright, and that everyone deserves an opportunity to experience joy. I created Therapy Fund Foundation after looking at the trajectory of my grandmother and several other family members whose lives were cut short due to preventable chronic stress-related illnesses. We tackle stress by improving mental health and well-being under the notion that we can live longer, happier lives.

What about Stanley 1913 makes you excited for this grant and partnership?

I really love Stanley 1913’s history and share my hometown of Seattle with them. I am excited about the opportunity to explore more ways to promote mental health and wellness together. The Stanley Creators Fund's commitment to amplifying the voices of leaders on the ground provides not only resources but also validation for the often-unseen efforts of organizations like ours.

“Stanley 1913's belief in bold ideas and its legacy of innovation give us confidence that this partnership can be a catalyst for meaningful, lasting change.”