
Ashley Biden: Social Worker, Activist, & Fashion Designer | Biography
Ashley Blazer Biden is an American social worker, activist, philanthropist, and fashion designer.
She served as executive director of the Delaware Center for Justice (2014–2019) and previously worked for the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families.
In 2017, she launched a socially conscious fashion brand—Livelihood—to support community programs addressing income inequality.
As the only child of former U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, she grew up in a politically active family alongside her half-siblings, Beau, Hunter, and Naomi Biden, from her father’s first marriage.
Her early exposure to her father’s public service career shaped her lifelong commitment to social justice, community empowerment, and advocacy for marginalized groups.
Early Life and Education
Raised in a Catholic household, Ashley was baptized at St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine in Greenville, Delaware.
She attended Wilmington Friends School, a Quaker institution, where she played lacrosse and field hockey.
Her passion for activism emerged early; as a child, she campaigned against animal testing by writing to Bonne Bell cosmetics and later lobbied Congress alongside her father and Congresswoman Barbara Boxer to pass the 1990 Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act.
Ashley pursued higher education at Tulane University, earning a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology in 2003.
During college, she worked as a camp counselor at Girls Incorporated and interned at Georgetown University’s youth program in Anacostia.
She later obtained a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice in 2010, where she was one of twelve recipients of the John Hope Franklin Combating American Racism Award.
Social Work and Activism
Ashley’s career in social work spans over two decades, focusing on juvenile justice, foster care, mental health, and criminal justice reform.
After graduating from Tulane, she worked briefly as a waitress before joining the Northwestern Human Services Children’s Reach Clinic in Philadelphia as a clinical support specialist.
She later served as an education and employment specialist at West End Neighborhood House in Delaware, aiding youth transitioning out of foster care.
For 15 years, Ashley worked at the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families, developing programs for at-risk youth.
In 2014, she became the executive director of the Delaware Center for Justice, a role she held until 2019.
There, she spearheaded initiatives like the Young@Art program, which empowers detained youth by providing art resources and selling their work to fund the program and teach financial literacy.
She also implemented the SWAGG program to address youth violence and gang activity.
In 2014, Ashley publicly criticized the death penalty, advocating for resources to be redirected toward victim services and crime prevention.
Fashion and Philanthropy
In 2017, Ashley launched Livelihood, an ethical fashion brand, during New York Fashion Week in collaboration with Gilt Groupe.
The brand, inspired by her late half-brother Beau Biden, who died of brain cancer in 2015, aims to combat income and racial inequality.
Livelihood’s logo, an arrow piercing “LH,” symbolizes resilience and progress. The brand’s organic cotton hoodies sold out, raising $25,000 for the Delaware Community Foundation.
Ten percent of ongoing sales support community programs in Anacostia and Wilmington.
In 2020, Ashley designed uniforms for the Hamilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., securing a $15,000 donation for Livelihood.
She also collaborated with designers like Oscar de la Renta and Calvin Klein for the 2017 Snoopy and Belle in Fashion exhibition.
Role in Politics
Ashley has remained relatively private compared to her family’s public profile but played a notable role in her father’s 2020 presidential campaign.
She spoke at the Democratic National Convention and hosted events like the Wisconsin Women for Biden to promote the campaign’s Women’s Agenda.
Her advocacy reflects her commitment to her father’s values of compassion and equity.
Personal Life
Ashley married Howard Krein, a plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist, in a Catholic-Jewish interfaith ceremony in 2012 at St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine.
Introduced by her late brother Beau, the couple shares a commitment to philanthropy.
Ashley is a practicing Catholic and met Pope Francis with her family in 2016.
In 2020, her personal diary was stolen and sold to Project Veritas, leading to legal consequences for the perpetrators in 2024.
She acknowledged the diary as hers but noted its contents were distorted.
Ashley Biden Age:
Ashley Biden Parents and Siblings:
Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. Baptized at St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine, and raised in the Catholic faith.
Parents: Joe Biden (U.S. Senator and later President) and Jill Biden (educator and First Lady).
Half-siblings (from her father’s first marriage): Beau Biden (deceased in 2015), Hunter Biden, and Naomi Biden (deceased in 1972).
Ashley Biden Husband:
Ashley Biden was married to Dr. Howard Krein, a respected otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon based in Philadelphia.
Their marriage lasted 13 years, from June 2, 2012 until Ashley filed for divorce on August 11, 2025.
Who Is Howard Krein?
- Profession:
- Otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon
- Professor at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
- Co-director of the Facial Aesthetic and Reconstructive Center
- Chief Medical Officer at StartUp Health, a health-tech venture firm
- Education:
- BS and MS from Rutgers University
- PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology
- MD from Thomas Jefferson University
- Background:
- Born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey
- Jewish heritage
- Former volunteer firefighter and rodeo competitor as a teen
Marriage Highlights
- Introduced By: Ashley’s late brother, Beau Biden
- Engaged: October 2011
- Wedding: June 2, 2012, at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church in Delaware
- Ceremony blended Catholic and Jewish traditions
- Reception held at the Biden family’s lakeside home in Wilmington
- Joe Biden, then Vice President, walked Ashley down the aisle and helped set up the reception
Ashley Biden Children
Ashley Biden does not have any children. She is an aunt to seven children from her half-siblings: Beau Biden’s children, Natalie and Robert; Hunter Biden’s children, Naomi, Finnegan, Maisy, Navy, and Beau Jr.; and her late half-sister Naomi’s child, William
Ashley Biden Divorce:
Ashley Biden filed for divorce from Dr. Howard Krein on August 11, 2025, ending their 13-year marriage.
The filing took place in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, but the specific reasons for the split remain undisclosed due to local privacy laws surrounding divorce records.
Key Details About the Divorce
- Date Filed: August 11, 2025
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Public Statements: Neither Ashley nor Howard has publicly commented on the reasons behind the separation
- Social Media Signals:
- Ashley posted an Instagram story the same day featuring Beyoncé’s “Freedom” and Lauryn Hill’s “Freedom Time”
- She included a quote: “New life, new beginnings means new boundaries. New ways of being that won’t look or sound like they did before”
Marriage Background
- Wedding Date: June 2, 2012
- Venue: St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, Delaware
- Reception: Held at the Biden family’s lakeside home in Wilmington
- Introduced By: Her late brother, Beau Biden
- Proposal: Krein proposed at sunset on a cliff in Big Sur, California, after receiving Joe Biden’s blessing
About Howard Krein
- A respected otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon
- Faculty member at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
- Known for his compassionate care and academic contributions
What’s Next for Ashley?
Her Instagram posts suggest a symbolic turning point—embracing independence and transformation.
While she’s kept quiet publicly, the tone of her messages implies a forward-looking mindset and personal renewal.
Ashley Biden Height:
According to IMDb, she is listed as 5′6″ (1.68 m).
Weight & Body Measurements (Unofficial Sources)
A site called PeepsPedia provides more detailed—but unofficial and unverified—data:
Weight: ~58 kg (128 lbs)
Measurements (Bust-Waist-Hips): ~34-26-35 inches
Bra Size: 34 B
Shoe Size: US 8 / UK 6 / EU 38-39
Ashley Biden Career and Background:
Education & Early Foundations
Ashley Biden’s academic path laid the groundwork for her lifelong commitment to social justice:
- Tulane University – Earned a BA in Cultural Anthropology, where she explored societal structures and cultural dynamics
- University of Pennsylvania – Completed a Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2010
- Honored with the John Hope Franklin Combating American Racism Award
- Interned at Seaford House, a group home for children, which shaped her shift from therapy to policy reform
During college, she worked with Girls Incorporated and interned at Georgetown University’s summer program, engaging youth from underserved communities.
Public Service & Social Work
Ashley’s career in public service spans over 15 years, marked by hands-on support and systemic reform:
Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families
- Developed programs for juvenile justice, foster care, and mental health
- Recognized in Delaware Today’s “40 People to Watch” for her impact
Delaware Center for Justice (Executive Director, 2014–2019)
- Led initiatives in criminal justice reform, victim advocacy, and community reintegration
- Launched SWAGG, a youth anti-violence and gang prevention program
- Founded Young@Art, a program that sells artwork created by detained youth to fund community resources
She stepped down in 2019 to support her father’s presidential campaign.
Fashion & Philanthropy
Ashley fused activism with design through her brand:
Livelihood Inc. (Founded 2017)
- Ethical fashion line launched at New York Fashion Week
- Collaborated with Gilt Groupe and Saks Off 5th
- Hoodies made entirely in the U.S., featuring:
- Reflective cuffs for safety
- Thumb holes and deep pockets
- Motto: “Keep Your Hood Up”
- Proceeds fund vocational training, education, and job placement in Wilmington, DE and Anacostia, DC.
The logo—a bow and arrow—symbolizes resilience and honors her late brother Beau: “We have to be pulled down to shoot forward”
Advocacy & Activism
Ashley’s activism began in childhood and evolved into national influence:
- At age 7, protested animal testing by writing to Bonne Bell
- At age 8, lobbied Congress with Rep. Barbara Boxer to pass the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act of 1990
- Founded Project Reach, supporting incarcerated women and their children
- Advocated against the death penalty, citing cost inefficiency and moral concerns
Her work consistently targets poverty, access to resources, and systemic inequality.
Public Engagement
Though she avoids the spotlight, Ashley has made powerful public appearances:
- 2020 & 2024 Democratic National Conventions – Delivered emotional speeches about her father’s values and her upbringing
- Defended Joe Biden against media scrutiny in 2025, calling him “the OG girl dad” and pushing back against narratives of decline.
She also consults for organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of America and is reportedly pursuing a doctorate in clinical social work.
Current Focus
Following her divorce in August 2025, Ashley’s Instagram posts suggest a personal transformation:
“New life, new beginnings means new boundaries. New ways of being that won’t look or sound like they did before.” — Ashley Biden, via Instagram
She appears to be embracing independence, healing, and a renewed commitment to advocacy.
Ashley Biden Addiction Treatment
Ashley Biden has openly acknowledged her past struggles with addiction, particularly during the late 2010s.
While she has never made a formal public statement detailing her treatment, several credible sources and court documents have revealed key aspects of her recovery journey.
Timeline of Addiction Treatment
2019: Outpatient Rehab in Florida
- Ashley entered an outpatient rehabilitation program in Florida during the first half of 2019
- Her personal recovery diary, kept during this time, was later stolen and leaked to the public
- The diary reportedly described:
- Use of cocaine
- Episodes of relapse
- Reflections on trauma and healing
Legal Fallout
- The stolen diary was sold to Project Veritas, a conservative media outlet
- Ashley confirmed the diary was hers during a 2023 trial, where the woman who sold it was convicted
- She stated that the theft reignited PTSD from a separate crime and left her feeling permanently exposed
“I will forever have to deal with the fact that my personal journal can be viewed online.” — Ashley Biden, in a letter to the judge
Public Reflections
Ashley has shared cryptic but powerful messages on social media about her healing journey:
- July 2025 Instagram Post:
- Included a photo in a medical gown, suggesting ongoing health checkups
- June 2025 Instagram Story:
Recovery & Resilience
Ashley’s experience with addiction has shaped her advocacy work, especially around mental health, trauma recovery, and systemic support for vulnerable populations.
Her journey reflects not only personal resilience but also a broader commitment to healing and justice.
Ashley Biden Net Worth and Salary (estimate, if publicly available):
Ashley Biden’s net worth and salary reflect her multifaceted career in social work, nonprofit leadership, and ethical fashion.
While exact figures are not publicly confirmed, here’s a confident estimate based on available data:
Estimated Net Worth (2025)
- Range: $1 million – $2.5 million
- Sources of Wealth:
- Salaried roles in social work and nonprofit leadership
- Founder of Livelihood, an ethical fashion brand
- Public speaking and advocacy engagements
- Occasional consulting and design collaborations
Salary Estimates
Nonprofit Leadership
- As Executive Director of the Delaware Center for Justice (2014–2019), her salary likely ranged between:
- $61,000 – $122,000 annually, based on comparable roles in similar organizations
Fashion & Business
- Livelihood generated revenue through limited hoodie runs and partnerships:
- First run of 3,400 hoodies sold out on Gilt
- Donations included $25,000 to the Delaware Community Foundation and $15,000 from the Hamilton Hotel for uniform design
Financial Footprint
- Ashley’s financial profile is modest compared to high-profile political figures
- Her earnings reflect a mission-driven career rather than commercial or political wealth accumulation
- She has not pursued book deals or high-profile media contracts, keeping her income tied to direct service and entrepreneurship
Is Ashley Biden Married?
As of August 2025, Ashley Biden is no longer married. She filed for divorce from Dr. Howard Krein on August 11, 2025, officially ending their 13-year marriage.
Relationship Status: Divorced
- Spouse: Dr. Howard Krein (2012–2025)
- Divorce Filed: August 11, 2025, in Philadelphia
- Public Confirmation: Confirmed by representatives and reported by multiple outlets including USA Today and The Philadelphia Inquirer
Ashley has not publicly commented on the reasons for the divorce, but her Instagram posts on the day of filing—featuring songs like Beyoncé’s “Freedom” and Lauryn Hill’s “Freedom Time”—suggest a personal turning point and a focus on renewal.
How Old Is Ashley Biden?
Ashley Biden is 44 years old as of 2025. She was born on June 8, 1981, in Wilmington, Delaware
Where Is Ashley Biden?
Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware.
Spent much of her career in Delaware, with additional work in Philadelphia.
Summary Table
Category | Details |
---|---|
Biography Intro | American social worker, activist, philanthropist, fashion designer; executive director (2014–2019); founder of Livelihood (2017) |
Age | 44 years old (b. June 8, 1981) |
Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
Ethnicity | English, French, Irish (father); English, Scottish, Sicilian (mother) |
Nationality | American (born in Wilmington, Delaware) |
Upbringing / Family | Raised Catholic in Wilmington; parents Joe and Jill Biden; half-siblings Beau, Hunter, Naomi |
Husband/Partner | Married Howard Krein (2012–2025 separation filing); introduced by brother Beau |
Physical Description | 5′6″ (1.68 m) |
Career / Background | BA in anthropology, MSW; social work career; executive director; founder of ethically conscious brand; political and justice advocacy |
Net Worth / Salary | Net worth est. $1M–$2.5M; annual income $61K–$122K |
Married? | Filing for divorce as of August 2025 |
Current Age | 44 years |
Where | Born and raised in Delaware; career centered in Delaware and Philadelphia |
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