Ashley Biden, who has largely avoided the public eye, made a rare but powerful appearance at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Introducing her father, President Joe Biden, on the first night of the convention, she offered a deeply personal perspective on his life and legacy. Describing him as the “OG girl dad,” Ashley spoke of how her father always encouraged her to pursue her passions and demonstrated respect for women throughout her life.
Ashley Biden Biography
Born on June 8, 1981, Ashley Blazer Biden is the only daughter of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Ashley was surrounded by love and a deep commitment to public service. Despite her father’s role as a U.S. Senator, her childhood was remarkably grounded. “My family really did keep it super down-to-earth, so I didn’t know,” Ashley once reflected. “I knew Dad took the train and was trying to solve the world’s problems. But as a little girl, he’s just Dad.”
Early Life and Education
Ashley attended Wilmington Friends School, a private Quaker institution where she excelled in both academics and sports, particularly lacrosse and field hockey. Her concern for social justice emerged early; as a child, she wrote to a cosmetics company, urging them to stop animal testing after discovering their practices. This marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to advocacy and social work.
Ashley pursued her undergraduate studies in cultural anthropology at Tulane University, where she continued her journey of social engagement. During her freshman year, she worked as a camp counselor at Girls Incorporated (now Kingswood Academy) and later interned at a summer program at Georgetown University, helping youth from Anacostia. These experiences further deepened her commitment to serving vulnerable communities.
Career in Social Work and Advocacy
After college, Ashley took a brief detour, working as a waitress in Wilmington before fully immersing herself in social work. She moved to Kensington, Philadelphia, where she served as a clinical support specialist at the Northwestern Human Services Children’s Reach Clinic. In this role, she provided crucial support to youth and their families, helping them access essential resources while collaborating closely with psychiatrists and therapists.
In 2010, Ashley earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice. She was among twelve graduates honored with the John Hope Franklin Combating American Racism Award, a testament to her dedication to fighting injustice.
From 2014 to 2019, Ashley served as the executive director of the Delaware Center for Justice, where she continued her work advocating for marginalized communities. Her leadership at the center further solidified her reputation as a passionate and effective social worker.
Fashion with a Purpose
In 2017, Ashley ventured into the fashion world, launching the Livelihood Collection at New York Fashion Week. The brand, which focuses on combating income and racial inequality, was inspired by her late half-brother Beau Biden, who passed away from brain cancer in 2015. The Livelihood Collection’s signature hoodies, designed with a nod to the Labor Movement, aim to raise awareness and funds for social justice causes. The launch event in TriBeCa was a success, attended by her parents and celebrities like Olivia Palermo and Christian Siriano. Through her partnership with Gilt Groupe, Ashley raised $30,000 for the Delaware Community Foundation, further demonstrating her commitment to community upliftment.
In June 2020, Ashley extended her brand’s reach by designing uniforms for the staff at the Hamilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., an offshoot of her Livelihood Collection. Her fashion endeavors are not just about style but are deeply rooted in her desire to make a tangible difference in the world.
Personal Life and Family
In 2010, Ashley began dating Howard Krein, a plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist, introduced by her brother Beau. The couple married in a Catholic-Jewish interfaith ceremony at St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine in 2012. Ashley and Howard share a strong bond, deeply rooted in their respective faiths and mutual commitment to service. Krein works at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and is an assistant professor of facial, plastic, and reconstructive surgery at Thomas Jefferson University.
Ashley, a practicing Catholic, joined her husband, father, and brother in a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2016, a moment that highlighted her deep faith and connection to her family.
2024 Democratic National Convention
Her speech at the just concluded democratic national convention on August 20, 2024, was filled with heartfelt anecdotes, including a memory of her eighth birthday when her father, then a U.S. senator, took the Amtrak train from Washington, D.C., to Delaware just to be with her. She also recalled her wedding reception in her parents’ backyard, where her father, then Vice President, made sure every detail was perfect, even though he was the one who ended up in tears.
Ashley spoke movingly of her brother Beau, who passed away in 2015, and how her father helped the family navigate their grief. “Dad had the capacity to step out of his own pain and absorb ours,” she said, highlighting the depth of his love and resilience. In a poignant call to action, Ashley urged the convention’s audience to work harder than ever in the upcoming election, emphasizing the importance of courage and community in the face of unprecedented challenges. Her speech left a lasting impression, and her father, visibly emotional, called her “incredible.”
Ashley Biden’s life is a testament to the values of compassion, service, and commitment to social justice. From her early activism to her leadership in social work and her foray into fashion with a purpose, Ashley has consistently used her platform to advocate for those who are often overlooked. As she continues to make her mark, Ashley Biden remains a powerful example of how one can blend personal passion with public service to create meaningful change.
