Her Story
About Ashley
Ashley Lisea serves as a Community Resource Specialist at United Way. In this role, she responds to crisis calls from individuals facing emergency situations, providing navigation for resources, emotional and financial counseling, education and budgeting guidance, and safety support, followed by ongoing follow-up to help clients achieve goals such as safer housing and food security. She previously worked embedded in clinics in hospital and educational settings, collaborating with doctors, professors, and patients in person. Earlier in her career, she spent several years in academia, advancing from teaching assistant to lecturing courses and leading organizations at the university, where she valued the impact on students and faculty. Ashley took a 10-year break between her sophomore and junior years of college due to personal challenges, which she credits with building her empathy. She is now applying to a master's program in IO psychology, with the goal of eventually earning a PhD and teaching as a professor while continuing community impact work. She volunteers through United Way at food banks and community tables.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ashley
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having lived through difficult times myself, taking 10 years off college due to challenges, fighting through it, reaching out for help, and developing empathy by putting myself in others' shoes. This experience allows me to help clients effectively.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice is to go out and experience opportunities without being shy, even if you're not a master at it yet. I applied to my current job without knowing much but learned and now make an impact. Keep your mind open and don't be afraid of challenges.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you don't feel like you can do the job, go volunteer first. Meet people in the field, walk beside them, be in their presence to learn, build trust, and opportunities will come. I started as a shadow at the university and worked my way up.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is funding for programs to keep people housed, safe, and fed, and funding for schools. Many talented people can't continue education due to student loans, hindering their contributions to society.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
A holistic approach is most important. When joining a company, consider not just the paycheck but the culture of the community and team, benefits that support you as a whole person including self-care and time off. Avoid burnout by taking care of yourself and teammates.
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