Ashley Plunkett

I attribute my success to my ability to build meaningful connections, adapt to change, and remain committed to helping others. My career journey has taken me through various industries. Retail management, long-term care administration, nonprofit management, and corporate marketing and sales, but I always knew I wanted to be in a role where I could make a direct impact. I found that purpose in public health with Super Shot, where I focus on expanding access to vaccines and connecting communities with healthcare resources that are more vital than ever before.

My strength is building bridges and meeting people where they are, whether in schools, community organizations, or other trusted spaces. I currently serve as the Clinical Managerand primary Vaccines for Children (VFC) program coordinator, but I began my public health in outreach, meeting the people where they are at. I helped grow Super Shot's outreach efforts from fewer than 4,000 individuals to 14,000+ community members served in less than two years by creating partnerships and increasing accessibility.

I believe my success comes from being solution-oriented, staying persistent through challenges, and having a genuine passion for serving others. A valuable lesson I have learned is that sometimes you have to “Just do it tired”. The pressure as a woman to excel in every facet of your life is at times all consuming as a mother and a professional. But continue showing up, remain dedicated, and keep moving forward because your children, the mission, and the people you serve are more than worth the effort.

The best career advice I received was from a manager I had when I was hustling after losing my job during the 2008-2009 economy crash with a brand new baby, and enrolled in college as a full-time student. She told me 'you just gotta do it tired.' Even when exhausted from working full-time, going to school full-time, and raising babies, you just push through because failure is not an option. I still live by that, especially with even greater career challenges and life changes stealing my sleep, but I keep going because there's no other option. I deserve the life I'm building for myself and my kids.

My advice to young women entering the public health industry is to never give up. Stay committed to your goals, continue learning, and believe in the value of the work you are doing. Public health successes remain behind the scenes in a lot of ways. By nature, when you're very good at it, the general public doesn't get to see it, they merely enjoy the fruits of your labor by living healthier lives through prevention initiatives. This field requires resilience, compassion, and the ability to navigate new challenges every day, but every effort you make has the potential to create a meaningful impact in people’s lives. Trust your abilities, advocate for yourself, and remember that persistence and dedication can open doors to opportunities you may not have imagined.

Public health is a bit of a rocky landscape lately. Initiatives that have existed for decades, with quantifiable results that have saved our societal infrastructure billions, are being scrutinized at a frankly alarming level. Misinformation and disinformation, along with public health spending decreases will remain the most prevalent challenges for years to come.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are compassion, connection, and being present for the people who matter most. Our world today is tough and I believe in creating meaningful relationships, maintaining my village of friends who bring laughter and a sense of belonging, and finding purpose outside of the many official titles I hold. I value the simple moments that bring balance and joy, such as spending time with my children, finding a spare moment to curl up with a good book, knitting (especially during the colder months), and creating a cozy atmosphere at home with a warm meal in the crock pot and a favorite comfort show. Those moments remind me of the importance of family, gratitude, and taking time to appreciate the people and experiences that make life meaningful.