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Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ashley Storman.
Hi Dr. Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
In my 15 years of experience as a higher education professional, my interest has always aligned with serving students from underrepresented identities. It all started for me when I was admitted to the University of Northern Iowa and attended a program called Jump Start that focused on retaining underrepresented students. My peers and I attended campus a week early, and through this program, we built a community that supported each other. Over the next several years, students and staff established a black and brown community in a small college town, and it was one of the best life experiences. This is where I met my husband and sister-friends. In my personal experience as a first-generation low-income student, I participated in TRIO Student Support Services. I served in several leadership roles where I mentored and supported other black and brown students. I soon learned that the work I enjoyed and the college environment I loved could be my career. That’s when I decided to pursue a Masters’s in Post-Secondary Education: Student Affairs; because I wanted to work with and for black and brown college students to provide them with the same holistic experiences that many of my favorite faculty staff provided for my peers and me.
Eight months after graduating from college, I started my career in St. Louis, MO, as an Admissions Officer at Harris-Stowe State University – recruiting students from the St. Louis Public School District and Kansas City, MO area. This was just the start of my career. From there, I worked at other neighboring colleges in the area, and each role has allowed me to assist students in achieving their goals and making an impression on the lives of underrepresented students, faculty, and staff.
From my varied experiences as a higher education professional, my passion for learning, understanding, and becoming an expert in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion blossomed. I soon found myself immersing and gaining knowledge in various topics around diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice issues. In 2019 I obtained my Doctorate of Education at Maryville University, and my study focused on black women and the pivotal leadership experiences that assisted them in becoming successful leaders. This topic was important to me as I desired to obtain leadership in education. I had experienced, witnessed, and heard about the unique experiences of black women in education from mentors, peers, and colleagues. Through all of my involvement, I realized that there was no education, conversations, or mention of the unique circumstances that I would have as a black female educator. From the development of my research studies, I was able to serve as contributing author for a textbook titled: African American Leadership and Mentoring Through Purpose, Preparation, and Preceptors (my chapter title is: A Strategic Roadmap for Rising African American Women Leaders in the 21st Century). I developed a workshop as I noticed the topics of black women’s experiences in the workplace from my research were becoming a hot topic on platforms such as Linkedin. I was motivated to share my findings and add to the existing knowledge and research. I want to be an ally for black women in the workplace and create a safe place to share our experiences while building them up. I believe that sharing my professional development roadmap framework could assist young black women as they climb the ladder to leadership in higher education.
It was time to put my passion to work. My first opportunity to develop a workshop and facilitate a consulting firm started with Network with Strong Communities, and from there, I made it my purpose to impact culture and educate allies. In 2022 I committed to starting my small black-owned diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting practice, The Storman Group LLC, whose vision is to impact work cultures for underrepresented populations through inclusion.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
One of the challenges I’ve had to address is the importance of finding balance and taking time to rest and slow down. I was so excited to start my consulting firm, so when I first started, I jumped in, and I mean in. Every night, once my family was settled, I was determined to check at least one thing off my to-do list. Now that I am starting to grow and gain more opportunities, I’ve learned to be more intentional about scheduling and blocking time to do my consulting work in a way that fits my lifestyle. I have also learned that I can’t do it all at once and that if my plate is full, it’s okay to say “no” or “This is not the right time.” I truly believe that “if it’s for me, it’s for me,” and that’s one thing I must remember as a new business owner.
I am a Christian, Mom, Wife, Daughter, Educator, and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated—Omicron Theta Omega Chapter and Co-Chair of the Empowering our Families Initiative. I volunteer with Girls Inc. St. Louis and Rides N’ School Supply, and in the midst of this, I was just accepted to serve as co-editor and author of a textbook that will focus on the lived experiences of black women in education. I say all of this to say that I live by a calendar. I must plan everything, make memories with families and friends, meet with my dope black woman-owned therapist monthly, exercise regularly, and pray and reflect. The importance of balance is critical for me to show up, be present and put my best foot forward in every aspect of my life. I can do it all, but not all at the same time, and that is what I am learning!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Storman Group LLC.?
The Storman Group LLC. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Educational consulting are committed to impacting culture. Services provided are consulting, workshops, presentations, facilitated discussions, and speaking opportunities with Dr. Ashley Storman. My purpose for starting my consulting practice is that I am passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and women’s empowerment. I want to disrupt systemic barriers and challenges for folks from underrepresented backgrounds. I want to educate allies that are committed to improving culture. I want to serve in this role where my personal mission, values, morals, and passion for people lead my work. I noticed there was no way I could authentically and passionately consult (DEI) for any other organization, and I had to do it on my own. Right now, I am most proud of the connections and partnerships I am beginning to make with non-profits in the St. Louis area. I am excited to be a co-editor and serve as contributing author for an academic book that will focus on lived experiences of black women in education. I will eventually have another workshop available that will further the knowledge from my current workshop: Empower, Support, Mentor: How to Support Black Women in the Workplace. The Storman Group LLC. is passionate and ready to partner with those organizations and individuals who want to impact culture boldly using data and lived experiences to strategize and develop customized diversity, and equity plans, ideas, and strategies.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Understanding research data collection, analyzing and synthesizing data to tell a story, and recommending solutions to issues using lived experiences. Passion for people, fairness, and equity. Boldness to disrupt systems, practices, and policies. Understanding your niche and area of focus and staying true to what you do or provide as a consultant. Be a thought leader, advisor, and partner, with open and honest dialogue.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thestormangroupllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_storman_group_llc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087269511397
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/89705058/admin/
Image Credits
A.E. Photography LLC email: aeelite@gmail.com, Social media: https://www.instagram.com/ae_elite_photography_llc/