How an ESPN Editor Balances Passions Outside of Her Busy Job

For 11 years Ashley Drakeley has been a force at ESPN with her voice and has become a well known journalist in the world of sports. But outside the office, her life consists of a different story, one focused on charitable work and interior design. 

While working her way up to her current Senior NFL Editor role, Drakeley received the opportunity from parent company Disney to join their VoluntEARS program as a Make-A-Wish granter. From sending kids to Disney World to transforming their childhood bedrooms into their dream gaming rooms, Ashley’s involvement has touched many families in a positive way.

“I have a very soft spot for children and I like the idea that we can give them a wish to make their life better,” said Drakeley. 

Balancing a busy job, on top of charity work is difficult. But for Drakeley, it’s all about diving into her biggest passions.  Between NFL seasons she also spends her time with interior design, which she has turned into a side business, Winsome Studio. She has been able to help friends and families renovate homes.

Drakeley even grants wishes for children using Winsome Studio. One of her favorite wishes came when a boy wished to revamp his bedroom into a gaming room. This stood out to her because it was different from a lot of other wishes she’s granted.

“That's a wish that's gonna stay with him always, versus a trip,” she said. “That was cool that he gets to have that all the time.”

Her hobbies play a big part in what she does outside of ESPN. She says her home life growing up played a big role in where she is today.

“I grew up in a house full of boys, where sports was very much ingrained in me, so I went that direction. But my mother was an interior designer, so I always loved her hobbies too.

Juggling a full-time career and side passions might be overwhelming to some but for Drakeley it is something she has mastered. She believes that branching out in your career space is important but also understanding those first couple years are always going to be the toughest.

“You really do kind of need to grind and put in the effort when you’re starting to make sure that you get to where you want to go.”

Understanding the importance of becoming secure in her career is how Drakeley has been able to support her side passions. Ashley is the perfect example that success can come in many different forms. Being able to support all passions that you love is where true success lies for her. It does not come easy but Drakeley shows that if you stay persistent and motivated the possibilities of success are endless.