Ashley Young

Growing up in the enviroment that I did, with my grandparents being my main care providers and a mother who struggled with addiction really helped mold me into the woman I have become today. When you learn to overcome obstacles at an early age like I had to it motivates you to not let the situations you come from define who you are but rather motivate you to be more than people think you can be. Along the way I have had great mentors and people that helped me succeed and pushed me throughout my life and for that reason I am eternally grateful.

My success comes from a combination of persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn through every challenge. There have been long days, tough conversations, and high-pressure situations—but I’ve always chosen to lean into those moments instead of avoiding them. That’s where the most growth happens.

I’ve also focused heavily on building trust. Whether it’s with my team on the floor or leadership in decision-making roles, I believe people perform at their best when they know they’re supported and held to a clear standard.

At the end of the day, success for me isn’t about titles—it’s about impact. It’s about knowing that the work I do improves processes, supports people, and leaves things better than I found them.

The best advice I ever received was, “Don’t just bring problems—bring solutions.” I remember a time when I escalated an issue, thinking I had done my part. But I was challenged to come back not only with the problem clearly defined, but with possible paths forward.

That moment shifted my mindset. It taught me to think critically, take ownership, and approach challenges with intention. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to not just identify gaps, but to help close them. Always believe and be true to who you are and the rest will fall into place.

Be strong, don't limit yourself to what others feel you deserve but be confident in yourself and your abilities.Own your voice early and don’t wait until you feel “ready” to speak up—confidence comes through action, not before it. This industry as do many others needs strong, thoughtful leaders who are willing to ask questions, challenge the status quo, and stand behind quality standards.

Also, don’t underestimate the value of learning the fundamentals. When you understand the “why” behind processes, you build credibility quickly. And finally, find mentors who support your growth—but also be willing to advocate for yourself. You belong in every room you step into.

Manufacting is constantly growing and adapting so be willing to step outside the "norms". The only failure is when you choose to stop growing and improving yourself. One of the biggest challenges I’ve seen firsthand is shifting teams from a reactive mindset to a proactive one. I’ve walked into situations where containment was happening over and over again for the same issue, and it became clear that we weren’t solving the root problem—we were just managing the symptoms.

That realization became an opportunity. By slowing down, asking better questions, and focusing on true root cause analysis, I’ve been able to help drive more sustainable solutions. Right now, the biggest opportunity in quality is exactly that—moving beyond “quick fixes” and building systems that prevent problems before they happen. The companies that embrace that mindset will lead the future of this industry.

Integrity, accountability, consistency and respect. Integrity is at the core of everything I do—both professionally and personally. In quality, doing the right thing when no one is watching isn’t optional, it’s essential. I also value accountability, consistency, and respect for people. I believe strong relationships and clear communication are just as critical as technical skill. Outside of work, I carry those same values into how I show up for my family and community—being dependable, honest, and always striving to grow.