Ashley Forney, IDP Manager of Operations on Influential Women
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Influential Woman · Higher Education

Ashley Forney

IDP Manager of Operations, Ennovar at Wichita State University

Wichita, KS 67260

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Wichita State University - BAS Cert Human Resource Management Certification Member National Society of Leadership and Success

Her Story

About Ashley

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.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Ashley

01What’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.

02What 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.

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