Ashley Klein

I attribute my success to never quitting and not taking no for an answer. I've been told no so many times just because people said women don't do pharmaceutics, or that this is a men's world, or made judgments about how I look. But I went against the grain and did whatever makes me happy, because if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. I work 24 hours between my nonprofit and my main job and I'm happy doing it. I also learned that life is 10% what you're dealt and 90% how you deal with it. It's about progress, not perfection. I'm very strategic in everything I do - I had to find something I liked that paid well and would always be in need. And I never quit on myself, because what's meant to be is meant to be, and when you get there and look back, it's worth it.

Don't quit. Do not quit, and do not take no for an answer. I've been told no so many times just because people said women don't do pharmaceutics, because this is a men's world, or they judged me for being covered in tattoos or how I look. But you do whatever makes you happy, because if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. Don't just check a box or do what your parents say because of generational expectations. I went against my old-school German family's expectations - they didn't believe in college, but I pushed against it, graduated early from high school, and left the house at a young age to pursue my education. Never quit on yourself, because what's meant to be is meant to be, and when you get there and look back, it's worth it. As a woman in the industry and a mother of two daughters, I don't want them held back by certain standards that people say aren't meant for you. It's important to show that you can do certain things with your education and background, even when people think you can't.

The most important values to me are helping people and leaving a positive mark on the world. I work in different fields where I'm able to see up-and-coming treatments, which gives me faith that when I pass, my kids are left in a world that has hope and is doing something better for people. I believe the way a person treats an animal says a lot about them, which is why my husband and I started our nonprofit and business focused on animal welfare - it teaches the kids for the next generation. I want my daughters outside, learning nature, appreciating Mother Earth, and staying off technology. I want them to do something that matters and leave a mark here. I also believe in surrounding yourself with like-minded people who want to see you succeed and help each other grow. It really takes a village to make it in this life. And fundamentally, I believe life is 10% what you're dealt and 90% how you deal with it - we're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time, so it's about progress, not perfection.