Ashley Green, LPC, PhD

I attribute my success to staying true to my Chicago upbringing, which taught me to be humble and hungry. Growing up in the Chicagoland area instilled in me this persistence, this stick-to-it-iveness and toughness, but also knowing when to push yourself and take care of yourself at the same time. I think that balance has been really important. I've learned not to lose my authenticity, even in political environments or when changes in the environment might be asking me to play to a different standard. I've found a way to connect and get the job done while still keeping myself intact and not compromising who I am. I know how to professionally put my foot down and say 'I disagree' when needed. Community has been huge for me because you can't do it alone. There are days where it doesn't feel like you're anywhere closer to your goals, so you have to know who you can call, who you can text, just for encouragement or momentum. It's not always about people filling your cup, but sometimes you need to give something back spiritually or emotionally. I also lean heavily on meaningful quality time with my dogs, my husband, really good close friends, and reaching out to people who mentored me, who remind me of who I am when I'm feeling hesitant.

The best advice I've received really comes from my upbringing and my family rather than from any specific person or single conversation. Those lessons from my community and family have been the foundation of how I approach both my athletic career and my work in mental health. I had a coach ask me once (who is now in the hall of fame), when I was going to start living (or playing) for me. I realized it wasn't to encourage selfishness, but it was the first time someone asked me to not neglect myself, even when I am striving to give so much or consider others. I also needed to be included in the blueprint or the work I was doing. That has always stuck with me.

The best advice I would give is to ask questions and definitely lean into other women that you're inspired by. Seek out their stories and hear about what they've been through, because the more that young women have seen and heard from women who came before them, the more they can be aspired to be in similar positions or even push the envelope a little bit further. Mentorship is a huge part of making it in these industries. Find women who have made it and who have the ability to guide you through the journey. Learn from their experiences and let their stories inspire you to reach even higher than they did.

I think the biggest challenge in my field is not losing your authenticity, especially when there might be a political environment or changes in the environment that are asking you to play to a different standard. The challenge is finding a way to connect and get the job done while still keeping yourself intact and not compromising who you are. You have to know how to professionally put your foot down and say 'I disagree' when necessary. It's about maintaining your values and what you hold true, even when there's pressure to bend in order to get things done. The key is learning how to navigate those situations professionally without losing sight of who you are and what you stand for.

Community is one of the most important values to me because you can't do it alone. There are days where it doesn't feel like you're anywhere closer to your goals, so you have to know who you can call, who you can text, just for encouragement or momentum. It's not always about people filling your cup, but sometimes about giving something back spiritually or emotionally. I also value meaningful quality time, and even though I spend my time with people professionally, I still have to recharge. I spend a lot of time with my dogs, my husband, and really good close friends. I also reach out to people who mentored me just to check in or when I'm feeling hesitant about something, and they remind me of who I am and encourage me to push forward. Authenticity is huge for me as well. I believe in not losing yourself in political environments or when changes ask you to play to a different standard. I'm committed to keeping my values intact and not compromising who I am, even when it might be easier to bend.