Ashley Santiago GRCP, GRCA, IPMP, Project Manager, Scrum Master

I attribute my success to a discipline my alma mater, Rollins College, instilled in me and that is 'lifelong learning.' To be your best, you have to invest in and show up for yourself. Commit to strengthening your craft with continuous learning and you'll be amazed what you can do. As Sir Francis Bacon once said, "scientia potentia est;" In other words, "Knowledge is power." Proverbs 24:5 also tells us, "A wise warrior is better than a strong one, and a man of knowledge than one of strength." (CSB)

• Growth means leading by example as well as teaching others. Sharing what you’ve learned strengthens the team and deepens your own mastery.

• I also had a mentor once let me (almost) epically fail, in order to teach me the lesson of having backup plans in place, so that I would never again rely only on one way of doing things. Her name is JaWanda Thacker (prior direct report and previous Director of Marketing & Circulation at Morris Media Network (Orlando magazine)).

If you’re considering entering the field, don’t hesitate. You likely already have relevant experience that aligns with core frameworks such as ethics, compliance, and governance. We make values‑based decisions every day, and those principles translate directly into professional settings.

Everyone brings their own set of principles, core values, and learned experiences. When you connect your daily decision‑making and past academic, internship, or career experiences to the competencies this field requires, you’ll find you have more to offer than you might think.

Success often comes down to knowing how to articulate those connections. Mentors can help, and tools like AI can support you in mapping your experiences to industry expectations.

One of the biggest challenges in this field is the constantly evolving regulatory landscape. New technologies—AI being a recent example—can make the work feel intimidating at first. You’ll encounter complex requirements, client‑specific restrictions, and occasional pushback.

The key is to approach each situation with professionalism, empathy, and composure. Clients often expect immediate answers, causing every request to feel urgent. It’s important to balance responsiveness with boundaries by prioritizing effectively, manage your time, and avoid letting urgency consume your entire day. Use structured time blocks for learning, responding to emails, staying current on regulatory updates, and coordinating with internal teams.

Strong relationships and collaboration are essential. Leverage your resources, ask questions, and stay connected with the departments that monitor regulatory changes. Above all, stay calm. Everything gets done, and it gets done more effectively when you’re steady and methodical.

The introduction of AI is a good example—initially overwhelming, but manageable when approached step by step. That’s why project management methodologies are so valuable: they help you organize the work, set priorities, and move forward with clarity.

Integrity is the value I place above all others. It’s who you are when no one is watching and whether your actions reflect the principles you claim to live by. In compliance, the truth always shows—data reveals what words sometimes try to hide. Dishonesty doesn’t just slow the work; it breaks trust.

My commitment to integrity stems from my faith. Christian values call us to honesty, humility, and accountability, even when it’s inconvenient. Those beliefs guide how I work and how I live.

I teach the same to my children. Integrity matters in private as much as in public. My son’s choices shape what his sisters learn is acceptable. Sometimes doing the right thing means speaking up; sometimes it means stepping back. But it always means aligning to and honoring core values.

Integrity and character are the foundation of trust, leadership, and a purposeful life. When you live by them, you don’t just set an example—you become one.