We’re proud to spotlight one of our dynamic alumni and IEM@UAB - Information Engineering and Management Ambassadors, Ashley P., a transformational leader who continues to break barriers in STEM, operations, and engineering innovation. Since graduating from the IEM program, Ashley has made a powerful impact in both industry and academia. She currently serves as Director of Operational Excellence at Jered, a PAR Systems Company, where she leads large-scale transformation initiatives within the naval defense industry. Her work focuses on Lean Six Sigma, process optimization, and systems integration — all while championing inclusive innovation and strategic growth. Ashley is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with research focused on bridging gaps in STEM education and enhancing operational performance through systems thinking. In addition to her industry leadership, she serves on the Women in Leadership Board at the University of North Georgia, helping to empower and mentor women across disciplines. Her work has earned her seats on global engineering boards, teaching role at the university level, and recognition as a passionate change-maker who leads with vision, clarity, and purpose. Ashley represents everything the IEM program stands for: turning technical skill into strategic leadership, building systems that empower, and inspiring the next generation of innovators. David George Gregory Ratcliff Chris Johnson, PMP Alan Hill Shane Hill Wayne Hankins Rusty Yeager Sandria Elrod-Iqbal Sharifa A. Wip Bennie Griggs III Reginald Holmes, MEng, CSEP, PMP® Christine Riney Vincent Cirel Denise Jeffries Dan White Jennifer Skjellum #uabengineering #engineeringmanagement #uabiem