About Solutionary Rising
i saw and heard the same struggles from different kids in the same generation - gen z.
I'm Jennifer Ashmore, a daughter, a sister, a mother and a friend. I have been learning about these struggles and the solutions for them before I heard the struggles were even happening. My son is a Gen Z. I have a solid reason for my passion but it doesn't stop with just my son. I listen and learn from so many kids from this particular generation daily. What I kept noticing was with each interaction over the last year that they are all feeling some version of similar struggles. That is not a coincidence. I don't believe in coincidences.
What I kept hearing.
" I am overwhelmed. I cannot focus to save my life. I have too much to do and not enough time. My sinuses are killing me. I have headaches. I have no time for myself. I feel anxious. I might be depressed. Maybe it is my ADHD. I am taking adderral but it isn't working. I can't afford therapy and really no time to do that either. I am not sure what I would even say to a therapist or counselor because I can't really put into words what I am feeling. I feel kinda disconnected from my body or something. I don't want to sound crazy so I just don't talk about it." That one hit me hard! They are not wanting to talk to family or doctors about this because they don't want to just get a diagnosis for depression or anxiety or ADHD and take a pill. Those diagnosis can be real and not wrong but they ARE THE OUTCOME!! NO ONE IS ASKING WHAT IS CAUSING IT!
This Generation "Z" is the most affected. These are the kids born between 1997 and 2012, ages 14 to 29 as of 2026. They are not broken kids. They are amazingly smart, capable, and very aware. They just don't have the language behind the feelings. There is a disconnect. The brain is not firing correctly. They're navigating a world that shifted under their feet — and they're being told the problem is them. It isn't.
Nine years of research. Many sources. One framework.
In 2017, I had a traumatic event occur and soon after I can only describe what I was going through as a spiritual awakening — and with it comes a deeper need to understand many things. Today I am still on this journey and am passionate about the Generation Z struggles I am witnessing. It isn't okay to know something isn't right and decide to brush it to the side and do nothing. Good news is that I am all about real ANSWERS and real SOLUTIONS. THERE IS HOPE!! I started researching, reading, studying, and connecting dots across the appropriate disciplines: neuroscience, neurodevelopment, psychology, sociology, economics, systems thinking, education, philosophy, and more.
Zoe Weil, author of 'The Solutionary Way' created a magnificent framework - it was one of the most clarifying things I encountered. The four steps — Identify, Investigate, Innovate, Implement — gave shape to what I was already seeing: that the problem wasn't the kids. It was the conditions. And conditions can be changed.
But Solutionary Rising isn't built on one book or one voice. It's the result of nearly a decade of research, lived experiences, and a relentless belief that young people deserve more than a diagnosis, a pill and a coping strategy. Because I know all too well that coping strategies can turn into over indulging on people, places and things that do not serve you well and can cause a much much harder life. Some of my mentors I have read and listened to on Social Media podcasts for many years are Joe Dispense, Mel Robbins, Gabor Mate, Alan Watts, Carl Jung, David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D., Richard C, Schwartz PhD, Paul Selig. I also read the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, and Psychology Today specifically an article from March, 2025 "The Gut-Brain Spine Connection".
Why Me?
I'm a woman who feels as if I have lived many lives on this earth. I have had life experiences that have all taught me so much, even the hardest ones. I am still making mistakes and will continue to be teachable. All these experiences have shaped me to who I am today. I am grateful for that.
Being a Gen X has its strengths. We had to grow up a bit differently. Which is serving me quite well - because I am still just a big kid at heart. That translates to I am possibly cool enough to still relate to this Generation...through my own stories and experiences and how I went through some real horrible times but that there is a way to come out of those times and be the best version of yourself. I think I am able to earn their trust. I'm not here to be a cool Mom buddy or to be a teacher or preacher. I'm here because I have a passion to make a difference in the lives of my son and the others that are wanting some answers and some relief. Maybe I can be a vessel.
These kids - the Gen Z's are savvy and smart... and the ones I personally know have amazing families- they just need a local guide to hold space for them. I don't have all the answers and have no idea how this will flow but some people smarter than me are doing this same model in other cities. It is too soon to know the outcomes but I am ready to get started.
The first circle is planned for October 6th at 8pm at my property in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The U of A is down the street and I have a handful of interested Gen Z's. Also, my son, Miles is joining from college in Queens, NY via video call. We're eating and just seeing where it takes us. Choosing Faith over Fear.
One Key Source
Zoe Weil & the Institute for Humane Education
Among the many sources that shaped this work, Zoe Weil's Solutionary framework stands out as a foundational structure. Weil is co-founder of the Institute for Humane Education (IHE), which publishes free educator resources, student guides, and a full 14-step solutionary process — all available at humaneeducation.org.
Solutionary Rising applies that framework specifically to what Gen Z is experiencing today. We are not affiliated with IHE, but we build on their work with deep respect and direct attribution — alongside the many other researchers, thinkers, and lived experiences that have informed this approach since 2017.
One thing we say plainly.
This is in addition to care, not instead of it. Some people do need clinical support, and framing it as either/or would be wrong. If you or someone you know needs that, please reach out to a counselor or mental health professional. Solutionary Rising is for the ones who are ready to look upstream and do something about it.
Speaking & Workshops
They need to be heard. And they need a process.
Jennifer is available to speak on what Gen Z is experiencing today, the Solutionary framework, and what communities can actually do about it.