At 18, Ashley went to Kent State University planning to study human biology. Soon, she worked as an environmental educator. After joining a soil lab, she studied relationships between fungi and trees, eventually leading her to a forestry career.
“I am inspired by the women in STEM who came before me—they are often the only ones in the room and continue to show up and be a force. Natural spaces inspire me. I love trees, I love when the sunlight shines through the leaves. The Japanese have a word to describe this feeling, komorebi.”
She encourages young foresters to attend professional conferences, like the Society of American Forester’s (SAF) conference, to make connections and learn from others in the industry.
“Most importantly, do not give up. Your voice and perspective is needed in this career. Remember when you have doubts and feel like this career was not made with you in mind, it wasn’t—women have been purposely left out of this field. You can only add value to this career if you are a part of it and stay!”
