Ashley Rodriguez

I really attribute my success to the relationships that I've built over the years. Getting my master's in clinical engineering at UConn was pivotal because that program connected me with people throughout New England who I still work with today - when I walk into hospitals like Beth Israel, I'm working with old classmates and people I've known for 10 to 12 years. Building those relationships and maintaining that trust has been key. I'm also very career-driven and passionate about what I do. I've played sports my whole life, so there's a competitive drive in me that pushes me to want to win in my territory and help my customers succeed. I think being personable and approachable as an engineer is a unique balance - being able to communicate effectively with customers, understanding what they need to know, when they need to know it, and how they need to know it. I'm not afraid to take risks and follow new challenges, whether that meant transitioning from clinical engineering to software engineering or moving into sales. And honestly, one of the things I'm most proud of is that younger women in clinical engineering still reach out to me for mentorship years later. The fact that they see me as someone they can look up to and ask questions gives me a sense of pride - it means I've been kind enough and approachable enough to make a lasting impression.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you can build a career in a field you genuinely love while still embracing your competitive drive—and that it’s okay to move around in order to find the right fit. Growth doesn’t always happen in one place. Exploring new roles, industries, or challenges can be essential to discovering where your strengths, passions, and ambitions align best. I’ve learned that being intentional about those moves, rather than staying comfortable, is often what leads to the most fulfilling and impactful career path.

I tell the younger women who reach out to me that you don't have to stay in one place, and you can follow your heart and your passions, or just follow a location, and something will work out. When you look at my resume, I've bounced around a little bit, but I think it's given me a really broad perspective that you can do a million different things within this career path. I find myself mentoring a lot of younger clinical engineers to help guide them with this message. It's important to know that you can have a career in a field you love and still have a competitive drive, and you can jump around as much as needed to find the perfect career choice. Don't be afraid to take on new challenges or make transitions - whether it's moving from clinical engineering to software engineering or into sales. Each experience builds on the last and opens up new opportunities.

One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is the ability to continue pushing myself to grow—technically, strategically, and professionally—while also creating space to mentor the next generation of clinical engineers. Healthcare technology is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. I see that as both a challenge and an exciting opportunity.

At the same time, I’m passionate about supporting young clinical engineers who are navigating the early stages of their careers. Mentorship is incredibly important to me because I benefited from leaders who invested in my development, and I believe it’s my responsibility to pay that forward. As I continue striving for excellence in my own performance—including working toward being recognized as Rookie of the Year this year—I remain committed to lifting others as I grow.

In my work, the values that matter most to me are trust, accountability, and relationship-building. I believe my role ultimately comes down to being reliable and following through on what I promise. Building strong, lasting partnerships with customers requires consistency, transparency, and a genuine commitment to helping them succeed. I’m also deeply career-driven and committed to continuous growth—whether that means expanding my technical knowledge, better understanding healthcare workflows, or finding new ways to improve patient outcomes. My passion and competitive spirit, shaped by a lifetime of playing sports, fuel my desire to constantly improve and deliver at a high level.

In my personal life, balance is incredibly important to me. Staying active is a big part of who I am—I still play volleyball, slow-pitch softball, golf, and pickleball, and I’m a runner who has completed half marathons. My husband and I share many of these activities, which makes them even more meaningful. We joke that when we’re competing, what happens on the court stays on the court, but that competitive energy is part of what keeps life fun. For me, fulfillment comes from giving 100% to my career while also prioritizing time with my husband and friends, staying active, and truly enjoying the life we’re building together.