Why the Name Project Ring?

Project Ring's name comes from a deeply personal part of my journey.

Before I got my semicolon and butterfly tattoo, I used to reward myself for reaching milestones in my recovery from unhealthy coping skills. Each time I reached a goal, I would buy myself a new ring. The ring became more than jewelry—it was a reminder of my progress, my resilience, and my commitment to keep moving forward, one day at a time.

Over time, I realized I no longer needed a physical reward to stay motivated. The strength I was searching for had been within me all along. The confidence, hope, and healing I once looked for in those small milestones became part of who I was becoming.

When I created Project Ring at 16 years old, the name felt right because it represented growth, perseverance, and the belief that recovery is possible. What started as a symbol of my own journey has grown into something much bigger—a nonprofit dedicated to helping others find hope during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Today, the greatest reward isn't a ring. It's being able to share my story, help others recognize their worth, and remind people every day that they are not alone.

That's why Project Ring carries this name—because it began as something that helped me heal, and today it exists to help others do the same.

— Ashley Guillermo
Founder & Executive Director