How she shines: Ashley exemplifies outstanding leadership, innovation, mentorship, and dedication to both her employees and the custodial industry. She currently leads a team of more than 72 employees at NAS Corpus Christi, where she consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership and operational excellence. Her ability to motivate, develop, and support a diverse workforce has resulted in outstanding contract performance and high customer satisfaction while fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and inclusion.
Ashley is a strong advocate for embracing new technology and continually seeks innovative ways to improve operations. She actively researches and implements autonomous equipment and develops efficient processes that make work easier, safer, and more accessible for employees with disabilities. Her focus on innovation has increased productivity while ensuring employees have the tools and support necessary to succeed.
Her commitment to championing sustainability is evident through her ability to maintain exceptional custodial quality standards while maximizing resources and promoting efficient cleaning practices. Ashley understands that sustainability and operational excellence go hand in hand and consistently implements solutions that support both goals.
Ashley also exemplifies the spirit of giving back to her community. Having experienced personal loss and grief, she uses her own life experiences to support and encourage others facing similar challenges. Her compassion, empathy, and willingness to share her experiences have made a meaningful impact on countless individuals both inside and outside the workplace.
One of Ashley's greatest strengths is her dedication to mentoring others. She goes above and beyond to help employees with disabilities achieve their full potential and pursue new opportunities for growth. A remarkable example of her mentorship is Simon Hernandez, who, under Ashley's leadership and support, has been recognized with commander's and customer coins on four separate occasions at NAS Corpus Christi. Simon was also selected to represent TRDI and the AbilityOne Program through SourceAmerica's Grassroots Advocacy Program, a significant achievement that reflects Ashley's commitment to developing future leaders.
Ashley is equally committed to investing in her own professional development. She continuously seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills and is currently pursuing coursework to become a licensed Security Safety Coordinator. Her dedication to lifelong learning demonstrates her commitment to personal excellence and her desire to better serve her employees, customers, and organization.
Ashley Ramirez embodies everything the Women of Clean Award represents: exceptional leadership, innovation, mentorship, compassion, professional growth, and a commitment to empowering others. Her positive impact on her employees, customers, community, and the custodial industry makes her exceptionally deserving of this recognition.
Years in the industry: 10 years
Job responsibilities: Ashley is the Assistant Project Manager for TRDI at NAS Corpus Christi —Janitorial and Grounds Maintenance Contract.
Career path: Ashley started as a Supervisor, where she developed her skills in training, mentoring, and supporting employees with disabilities. Through her hard work, leadership, and commitment to employee success, she advanced to her current role as Assistant Project Manager at NAS Corpus Christi, where she now oversees operations and helps develop the next generation of leaders.
Best advice received: The best career advice Ashley has received is to always lead by TRDI's Core Values: Integrity, Innovation, Communication, Compassion, and Courage. By applying these values in her daily work, she has built strong relationships, developed her team, overcome challenges, and created opportunities for employees with disabilities to succeed and grow.
Fun fact: Many people are surprised to learn that, beyond Ashley's responsibilities in the cleaning industry, she is passionate about supporting youth and families facing difficult life challenges. Personal experiences have inspired her to become involved in community outreach and to advocate for mental health awareness and support. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to helping others both professionally and personally.