Her Story
About Ashley
Ashley Vallett is the Founder and CEO of Technacity Group, a boutique tech recruiting firm she built from the ground up after being laid off for the second time at the end of 2019. Rather than let that setback define her, Ashley launched her own LLC the very next day, funding the venture with a $5,000 loan and placing her first candidate on October 1, 2021. With twelve years of experience in the recruiting industry—spanning both large firms and smaller, women-owned agencies—she discovered early on a genuine passion for creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech. Today, Technacity Group works primarily with early-stage startups, from pre-seed through Series C, filling critical roles in software engineering, product, and design, including positions like Head of Engineering, Director, and CTO.
A first-generation college graduate, Ashley credits her drive and resilience to a childhood shaped by hard work and competition, crediting her father for instilling in her a strong work ethic through manual labor at a young age. She has carved out a niche within the video game industry, where she has helped expand access for women and people of color, and takes pride in partnering with a studio behind the best-selling mobile game of all time. Ashley is selective about the companies she works with, choosing to align herself with founders—particularly women and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs—who prioritize diversity and inclusion from day one, rather than retrofitting those values later on. Her commitment to advocacy extends beyond her own business: she serves as an Ambassador for Women in Games, sits on the board of Women in Technology International (WITI) as Corporate Partnerships and Alliances Chair, and is an active member of Gaingels, a venture syndicate supporting LGBTQIA+ founders and allies.
Guided by a personal code of integrity, honesty, and transparency, Ashley approaches every professional relationship with the same tenacity that gave her company its name. She was recognized as a Rising Star in Tech by Advancing Women in Technology in 2025, adding to earlier honors such as the Club of Excellence and Top Account Executive Scorecard awards from DISYS. Outside of her recruiting work, Ashley supports CHOC (Children's Hospital of Orange County) through fundraising efforts, and recently invested in a home in Joshua Tree. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from California State University, Long Beach, and enjoys traveling, wine tasting, and spending time with her two English bulldogs in her downtime.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ashley
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the competitive environment I was raised in, particularly by my father, who taught me the value of manual labor from a young age. That upbringing instilled in me a strong work ethic, which carried me through as a first-generation college graduate and continues to drive how I approach my career today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received came from a mentor who encouraged me to "bet on myself." After experiencing layoffs, that advice helped me rebuild my confidence and gave me the courage to pursue entrepreneurial ventures rather than shy away from the setbacks I'd faced.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry not to compromise on their value. Hold true to your values, don't undersell your services, and always ask questions. Make people listen to what you have to say, and don't shrink yourself for others. If you're passionate about something, go after it and take the risk. Use your voice and speak up.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is that it remains male-dominated.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, honesty, and transparency are the values most important to me, both in my professional relationships and in my personal life.
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