Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Gill.
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I moved to Texas in January 2007 from Minnesota after graduating with my Bachelor’s degree. In 2011, I discovered my passion for roller derby and decided to give it a try. Roller derby is a fast-paced, full-contact sport played on roller skates, and I immediately fell in love with the excitement and camaraderie of the sport.
After a few years of participating in local roller derby leagues and honing my skills, I joined the Dallas Derby Devils in November 2013. The Dallas Derby Devils is a prominent roller derby league in Texas, known for its competitive teams and dedicated community. Becoming a part of this league was a significant milestone for me, as it allowed me to compete at a higher level and challenge myself against some of the best roller derby athletes in the region.
During my time with the Dallas Derby Devils, I focused on improving my skills as a roller derby athlete and became deeply involved in the administrative side of the league. In June 2015, I was honored to join the board of directors at the Dallas Derby Devils. Serving on the board gives me the opportunity to contribute to the strategic decision-making and overall development of the league. It is a very rewarding experience, and I am able to use my organizational and leadership skills to support the growth of roller derby in Dallas.
Alongside my passion for roller derby, I have also pursued a successful career as a safety professional. With over 16 years of experience in the field, I have worked in various roles to promote workplace safety and ensure compliance with regulations. I am a Principal Consultant at ERM, a global environmental, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. In my role, I provide expert guidance and support to clients, helping them create safe and sustainable work environments.
In addition to my roller derby involvement and my career as a safety professional, I have also been pursuing an advanced degree. I am enrolled in the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at the University of Missouri – St. Louis, graduating in December 2024. This program has allowed me to expand further my knowledge and expertise in the field of business.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While my journey has been fulfilling overall, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Juggling roller derby, a demanding career, and pursuing a doctorate degree simultaneously has required careful time management and prioritization. There have been moments when it was difficult to find the right balance between my personal and professional commitments, and I had to make sacrifices and be disciplined with my time and energy.
Roller derby is a physically demanding sport requiring strength, agility, and endurance. Over the years, I have faced injuries and setbacks, including sprains, bruises, and occasional muscle strains. (Knock on wood, nothing broken.) These physical challenges have required perseverance, rehabilitation, and a commitment to maintaining my fitness and well-being.
Pursuing a doctorate degree is a significant academic undertaking. The coursework, research projects, and dissertation requirements have pushed me to stretch my intellectual capabilities and dedicate extensive time and effort to my studies. There have been moments of self-doubt and times when the workload felt overwhelming, but my determination and support from mentors and peers have helped me overcome these challenges. Imposter syndrome is real!
Managing a full-time job, roller derby commitments, and the demands of a doctorate program can sometimes lead to a lack of personal time and moments of fatigue. Establishing clear boundaries, practicing self-care, and seeking support from loved ones has been crucial to maintain a healthy work-life-university balance. My husband is an amazingly supportive human, and I wouldn’t be where I am without him.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a safety professional, my work primarily revolves around promoting workplace safety, health, and compliance. I specialize in providing expert guidance and support to organizations, helping them develop and implement effective safety programs and strategies. My goal is to create safe and sustainable work environments where employees can thrive and organizations can meet regulatory requirements.
Throughout my 16+ year career, I have gained extensive experience in various industries, including manufacturing, waste management, construction, and consulting. I have worked with clients across different sectors, from small businesses to multinational corporations. This broad exposure has allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of safety practices and regulatory frameworks, enabling me to provide tailored solutions to meet each client’s unique needs.
I am known for my expertise in developing safety management systems, conducting risk assessments, designing and delivering training programs, and leading incident investigations. I am dedicated to staying up-to-date with industry standards and best practices, ensuring my clients receive the most current and effective safety guidance. I was honored to be selected by the ASSP Fort Worth Chapter as the 2023 SPY (Safety Professional of the Year) Award recipient this year, a further testament to my commitment to my career.
One aspect I am particularly proud of is my ability to communicate complex safety concepts in a clear and accessible manner. I strive to bridge the gap between technical expertise and practical application, ensuring that safety initiatives are comprehensive and easily understandable for all. This skill has allowed me to effectively engage with clients, employees, and management teams, fostering an inclusive culture of safety and ensuring the widespread adoption of safety policies and procedures.
What sets me apart from others is my combination of hands-on experience in safety management, my commitment to continuous learning, and my strong background in roller derby. My involvement in roller derby has instilled in me qualities such as resilience, teamwork, and adaptability, which I apply to my professional endeavors. Additionally, my diverse background in safety across multiple industries has equipped me with a holistic perspective that enables me to approach safety challenges from various angles.
Overall, I take pride in my ability to make a positive impact by enhancing safety cultures, reducing workplace incidents, and ensuring regulatory compliance. My dedication to staying at the forefront of industry trends, my effective communication skills, and my unique blend of experiences set me apart in the field of safety and contribute to my success in supporting organizations to create safer work environments.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I have several plans and aspirations for the future that I am excited about. First, completion of my DBA. My immediate goal is to complete my Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Graduating in December 2024 will mark a significant milestone in my academic journey and provide me with a deeper understanding of business principles, ESG, sustainability management, and safety leadership.
I plan to continue advancing in my career as a safety professional. I am eager to take on new challenges, expand my expertise, and assume leadership roles. This could involve mentoring aspiring safety professionals or even exploring executive positions within the ASSP (American Society of Safety Professionals), where I can contribute to shaping this field at a broader scale. Additionally, I aim to contribute to thought leadership in safety by sharing insights through publications, conferences, and other platforms.
Roller derby remains a passion of mine, and I look forward to continuing my involvement in the sport, however, that looks in the future. Whether competing at a higher level, coaching and mentoring newer athletes, or contributing to the growth of roller derby within my community, I am excited to see how my journey in roller derby evolves and the impact I can make in the sport.
I am open to exploring new opportunities that align with my interests and expertise. This could involve expanding my consulting work within ERM, engaging in research collaborations, or even branching into sustainability or corporate social responsibility. I am excited to see where these new opportunities may lead and the positive change I can bring to organizations and communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erm.com/ OR https://www.derbydevils.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillotinegrace/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleylathamgill
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleylathamgill/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GillotineGrace
Image Credits
Mike Amos
Steven Davis
