Ashley Forney
Ashley Forney is an operations leader and talent pipeline strategist dedicated to shaping the future workforce. As Operations Manager at Ennovar at Wichita State University, she builds people-first systems where talent acquisition, onboarding, and operational effectiveness drive meaningful outcomes. She oversees more than 250 student roles across multiple corporate partners, scaling programs, documenting comprehensive processes, and ensuring operational compliance while fostering environments where students can grow and thrive.
A lifelong learner and advocate for education, Ashley earned her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Learning with an emphasis in Education and Innovation and a minor in Sociology while balancing full-time work and raising two children. She is currently pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management, continually refining processes, expanding talent pipelines, and creating equitable access to applied learning opportunities.
Before joining Ennovar, Ashley gained experience in telecommunications and debt collection, building a strong foundation in performance management, compliance, and operational leadership. Her blend of hands-on execution and strategic thinking has earned organizational recognition, including an Innovation Award for process improvement and workforce development initiatives, as well as being named an Emerging Leader by the Wichita Business Journal.
Beyond her professional role, Ashley is actively involved in community and leadership organizations, including WSU’s SPARK Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Her leadership philosophy centers on empathy, accountability, and measurable impact, with a focus on developing people, strengthening systems, and creating opportunities that last.
• Human Resource Management Certification
• Wichita State University - BAS
• Wichita Buisness Journal - Emerging Leader
• National Society of Leadership and Success
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
She reflects that the best career advice she has received is that effective leadership requires courage, not consensus. Understanding early on that not every decision will please everyone helped her lead with confidence, clarity, and integrity.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Her advice to young women entering the industry is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: a woman can be a CEO too. She encourages women to build confidence through competence, pursue leadership opportunities even when they do not feel fully ready, and continue breaking barriers by persistently stepping into roles of influence.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Locations
Ennovar at Wichita State University
1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260