Ashley Coffey
Tired of being the only woman in the room, Ashley runs a non-profit, volunteer-led organization to help bridge the gap between people and technology and make STEM careers more accessible to women.
What keeps you up at night?
Stress and my never-ending to-do list keep me up at night. More specifically, knowing that so many women leave their careers in STEM because of sexism, toxic workplace culture, bullying, pay inequity, discrimination and more.
I was so close to leaving my career in STEM in early 2020 after experiencing a very toxic workplace that destroyed my mental health. I’m in therapy, which has been incredibly helpful for me in working through that experience. I envision a future where we uplift one another and embrace each other’s ideas. I hope that we can make that future a reality very soon.
“I envision a future where we uplift one another and embrace each other’s ideas.”
One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?
I hope that I can expand my reach to help more people. But, I’m also hoping that I never again forget to prioritize my mental health. Balance is so important, especially after living through a global pandemic.
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
I’m going to be honest here: I’m a recovering over-thinker. My biggest obstacle is sometimes myself! I’ve had a unique set of life circumstances in which I’ve faced obstacles that I hope nobody ever has to face in their lifetime. Although these obstacles have been gut wrenching and tragic at times, each experience has helped me learn the power of resilience. Perseverance is vital in all areas of my life.
What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?
I want to find the solution to getting more women in STEM fields and keeping them there. Unfortunately, only 27% of employees in STEM are women, even though we make up over half of the United States workforce. That is far too low of a number!
Ashley is one of 100 women we have featured in the inaugural issue of Hundred Magazine. To learn more about her and the other 99 women, buy the issue.
