Ashlee and Chris Kleinert: Inspiring Change Through Passion
by Kristin Cicciarelli | Contributor
“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ashlee and Chris Kleinert truly embody this sentiment. In 2008, amidst the national financial downturn, the Dallas-based couple and parents of three adult children launched Executives in Action (EIA), a pro bono consulting initiative that links unemployed senior executives with nonprofits in need. “With unemployment rates soaring,” Chris explains, “we had witnessed firsthand how job loss deeply impacts individuals and their loved ones.” Concurrently, many nonprofits faced significant operational challenges due to dwindling donations.
“EIA fosters a dual impact,” Ashlee comments. “The executives gain a sense of purpose and the nonprofit benefits from their invaluable skills, which they might not otherwise be able to afford. This is more than just a temporary position; it’s a transformative journey,” she adds.
Since its launch, EIA has collaborated with over 270 nonprofits and has engaged nearly 700 executives. They are now exploring a new initiative, “Students in Action,” focusing on nurturing the philanthropic spirit of the younger generation.
Ashlee, daughter of Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt, CEO of Hunt Consolidated, was raised in an environment rich in charitable activity. This ethos of understated giving has stayed with her throughout her life, and she shares it with Chris. “We’re just ordinary people,” Ashlee humbly asserts, “part of a collaborative team dedicated to making impactful contributions.”
Additionally, there is Ruthie’s Food Trucks, a thriving enterprise established by Ashlee in 2011. Among its charitable efforts, Ruthie’s Dozen highlights a different nonprofit each month via print and social media platforms. “The exterior of our trucks serves as an ideal space for sharing nonprofit information,” Ashlee remarks. “It offers people insights into their work while they wait for food. We’ve received positive feedback from donors, volunteers, and service recipients alike.”
The Ruthie’s Random Snacks of Kindness (RSK) initiative also supports the community by providing complimentary meals to those in need. The newly launched Executives in Action Kind Truck allows executives to distribute essential items, including books for schools, canned goods for food banks, and supplies for families affected by disasters.
Recently, the Kleinerts have devoted their efforts to New Friends New Life, an organization dedicated to aiding women and girls who have been victims of trafficking or sexual exploitation. Although Ashlee has long been an advocate for this cause, both she and Chris recognize the increasing severity of human trafficking. Earlier this year, the group established the Men’s Advocacy Group, comprising twenty men committed to education, advocacy, and raising awareness. “The silver lining is that laws surrounding drug trafficking have become stricter,” Chris notes, “but regrettably, many drug traffickers are now resorting to human trafficking, and regulations haven’t quite addressed this shift.”
Ashlee was alarmed to uncover a trafficking operation within the very office park that houses Ruthie’s. The suspicious activity, characterized by limited parking and a flow of men entering and exiting a seemingly vacant office space, prompted her to alert law enforcement, leading to the operation’s shutdown. “Trafficking occurs right before our eyes,” she warns. “We need to be vigilant and take action.”
The Kleinerts’ fervor for their diverse endeavors is truly inspiring. As they invest countless hours into various charitable initiatives, Chris shares this valuable insight: “It’s crucial to uncover what ignites your passion—the force that drives you to assist others. Your most significant impact will come from the areas where your enthusiasm lies.” Empowering others to chase their passions? That encapsulates the essence of Ashlee and Chris Kleinert.
