Ashlie Young as Jade

Ashlie Thomas as Jade
Ashlie Young as Jade

Ashlie Young aka Neo2rize, is a well-known poet, spoken word artist, activist, advocate, motivational speaker, and actress. Ever since early childhood, she showed forth a special happiness that excites all who’ve had the honor of being around her. Her artistry was first displayed through writing when she was just the tender age of seven. The Atlanta native has thrived as an eclectic artist in Houston, TX since 2005. Throughout her life, she has had the privilege of being a part of many production companies to showcase her theatrical gifts and talents.These productions included ‘Poetry is My Life, Revenge is My Mission’ (2010), ‘For Colored Girls’ (2011), ‘Love Is…’ (2011 & 2012), ‘Love, Pain, Passion, Progress’ (2012), ‘Lyfe’s Poetic Revenge-The Movie’, ‘Girl’s Night Out’ (2013), ‘Love Is…’- The Movie (2013), and ‘For Colored Girls’ (2014) by Jus Poetry.

Ashlie, simply known by many as “NEO2RIZE”, that stands for New to Rize; derived from Neoteric, which is a new or modern day writer or thinker, has been lighting up the Houston poetry scene as a featured poet for many venues throughout the city and surrounding areas. She displayed her spoken word artistry in establishments such as the renowned Red Cat Jazz Café`, Skol’s Casbar & Grille, G’s & Z’s, 410 Lounge, Secret Word Café, The Yoga House, Queens of the Mic featureatte, The Houston Improv, and 2015 2nd place champion of Juneteenth Poetry Slam in Texas City, just to name a few.

She has received a countless number of awards and recognitions for her work as a positive individual. Ashlie’s passion for people has activated her relentless pursuit to encourage and advocate for survivors of sexual and domestic violence, as well as, motivate those victimized by discouragement from hardships and circumstance in the homeless community.

She accredits a lot of her success thus far to her loving Husband, Yolan Apoets Poet, beloved Family, belief in Prayer and her ability to use the gift of poetry to help others. “Prayer and poetry have been the only things keeping me grounded throughout all the craziness going on in the world around me.”

She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Psychology and desires to continue blessing the world with her many gifts.

Ashlie Neo2rize Young: Queen in her own right, whose legend can stand the test of time like an Angela Davis or Maya Angelou.