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. Here’s how Ashley describes her typical day:

I'm a big believer in morning rituals! Mindfulness and meditation are essential to me, so I make time for them each morning before my day gets started. It makes a massive difference in how I go throughout my day. My typical day involves wearing a lot of hats, and I love it! Working in the STEM field means things are changing every day, and it's essential to stay up-to-speed on the latest emerging technologies, innovation, and policy. So I immerse myself in research papers, books, newsletters, and podcasts to have a keen awareness of the state of technology around the globe. Knowledge is power! As President and Executive Director of Oklahoma Women in Technology, I spend a lot of time connecting with our outstanding members across the state. We are a 100% volunteer-run organization, and it takes a lot of work to keep an organization of our size running. But, it's such fulfilling work because we are making a difference in the lives of women and young girls in Oklahoma. We have given out over $15k in scholarships to young women pursuing careers in STEM over the past five years! We're also celebrating five years as a non-profit organization this year. I'm a firm believer in mentorship, and I proudly mentor three women currently. Having a support system while growing in your career can make a big difference. I enjoy helping others achieve their biggest dreams while understanding how to maintain a healthy balance. My mentors have been instrumental in my growth personally and professionally, and I am passionate about giving back! When I'm not running from one place or meeting to another, I am heavily involved in X.R. Access, a community committed to making virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (X.R.) accessible to people with disabilities. I've been involved with X.R. Access since 2019, and each year we make fantastic progress towards making technology more accessible for all. In my spare time, I like to read, play my violin, build new things (maker at heart, here!), spend time in nature, and enjoy the calmness that the evening brings. You might find me in a V.R. headset painting in a 3D environment on the weekends.

Learn more about Ashley by listening to this episode of The Wildly Capable Woman or picking up a copy of Hundred Magazine.