Ashley Ross
From Small-Town Roots to A Banking Talent Powerhouse
In commercial banking, numbers matter—but people matter more. For Ashley Ross, a Commercial Banking Recruiter, success is measured not just in metrics, but in the talent she discovers, develops, and champions. With a Southern accent, undeniable charm, and a strategist’s instinct, Ashley commands every room—excelling in spaces she once wondered if she belonged.
Rooted in Strength and Purpose
Ashley grew up in Roxboro, North Carolina, in a matriarchal family that valued resilience, hard work, and leadership. In the early ’90s, when being a Black business owner meant breaking into a world that wasn’t built for you, her grandparents Leroy & Sandra Cates were running two clothing boutiques and a dump truck company—turning grit into power. Both active in civil rights holding meetings in their home during the 1970s and 80s. True legacy of trailblazing leadership! These milestones they often talk about together.
Her late father, Willie Scott, ran Scott Enterprises and the Blouevard Bar & Grill. He was the life of the party. Her mother, Pamela Cates, a woman of unwavering strength, impressed upon Ashley a rule she still lives by:
“Work hard now, so you can play later.”
These experiences instilled in Ashley the confidence to enter spaces where she might not have always felt seen, yet thrive on her own terms. Today, she calls Philadelphia, PA, home, balancing a flourishing career with her husband, Kendrick, and their energetic one-year-old son, who inspire her daily.
“I have a genuine love for recruiting—matching people with opportunities where they can grow, contribute, and shine”
Thriving as Herself
Ashley’s authenticity, Southern charm, and confidence allow her to flourish in corporate environments where she may not have always felt visible. She identifies and cultivates relationship managers, credit analysts, underwriters, and portfolio leaders, shaping careers and institutions alike. Her guiding principle reflects her journey:
“Go where you are celebrated, not tolerated.”
For Ashley Ross, success isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about creating opportunities, opening doors, and ensuring others feel seen and valued, just as she has learned to be.
• Person High School
• Winston-Salem State University
• Big Brother, Big Sister Philadelphia Chapter
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God and refusing to be invisible. I come from people who fought for what they deserved, and their strength pushes me forward every time I enter a room alone. I’ve been overlooked and underestimated, but I kept showing up, claiming space, and choosing to stand in my worth. It wasn’t luck—it was conviction, discipline, and choosing myself again and again.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“Rooms you feel unseen in are rooms you’re meant to disrupt.” Especially as a woman of color, this one is powerful. You’re not in a space to conform—you’re in it to transform. Your perspective is your advantage.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Own your voice early! Don’t wait to feel “ready” to speak up. Your perspective is valuable from day one, and the sooner you get comfortable being heard, the more doors you open for yourself. Don’t shrink to fit a room — expand it. You may walk into spaces where you’re the only woman. Instead of questioning whether you belong, remember you’re adding what’s been missing. Your lived experience is expertise.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
3 Biggest Opportunities:
1. Skills > Resumes.
Banks are finally waking up: it’s not about where you worked—it’s about what you can do. Recruiters who get this will own the future.
2. Risk & Compliance Talent Is the New Gold Rush.
Regulations are exploding, AI is evolving fast, and banks are looking for real experts. It’s the best time ever to specialize.
3. AI Isn’t Taking Our Jobs—It’s Exposing Who’s Average.
Recruiters who use AI to move faster and think smarter are rising. Everyone else is getting left behind.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity comes first—do the right thing even when no one’s watching. I believe in excellence, taking pride in my work and refusing to settle for less than my best. I’m grounded in respect and empathy, creating spaces where people feel seen and valued. And I’m driven by growth and purpose, constantly evolving and focusing on work that truly makes an impact.
Locations
TD Bank
Norstown, PA 19403