Haley Ashway, a recent Upward Class Six graduate, is a dynamic leader in the Birmingham community. Her journey—one that includes navigating the challenges of first-time motherhood, battling burnout, and discovering new tools for personal growth—has been nothing short of transformative. Through her experience with Momentum, Haley gained the confidence to evolve and take on new challenges.
Read on to hear more about her inspiring story in her own words.
Timeline of My Journey:
2020: A Monumental Year
April brought a life-changing moment: I became a first-time mom. That same year, the world was gripped by uncertainty. I returned to work at a thriving startup but quickly found myself overwhelmed by the pressure of meeting expectations that no longer aligned with my reality. Burnout set in, and I knew something had to change—but I wasn’t sure what.
2022: Taking the First Steps to Change
In the spring, I attended the Momentum conference. The event gave me invaluable tools and insights that reignited my desire for change. By summer, I reached out to Momentum for a mentor and was paired with Farris Wallace (Birmingham Executive Class 19). Farris helped me normalize the working-mom experience and gave me the foundation I needed to create a plan for my next steps.
2023: Building the Toolkit
The spring brought even more growth through Momentum. I discovered Kelli Thompson’s book and her 8-week leadership course, which became powerful additions to my toolkit. Encouraged by my COO (Laura Donald, Birmingham Executive Class 21) and CFO (Christy Thomas, Birmingham Executive Class 16), I took another bold step and applied for the Upward program that summer.
2024: Entering the Upward Program
By February, I had entered Upward. Right away, we began with intros and the important task of nailing down our core values. It was eye-opening—I had spent so much time building a tool kit, but hadn’t yet taken that crucial step to apply what I had learned. In March, Barbara Mason’s words, “career growth isn’t linear—it’s an evolution,” struck me deeply. Her personal journey reminded me that life doesn’t always go as planned, and we must be ready to adjust and adapt.
In May, Julie McDonald and Lisa Graham helped me recognize the imbalance in my work-life blend and encouraged me to reflect on my true wants and needs. It was a powerful reminder to “choose your sacrifice and your satisfaction.” This process was further deepened by my co-mentor group, a collection of supportive women who also offered hard truths. One of the most pivotal moments came when Krysten Holloway challenged me to “clean my own glasses” instead of relying on others.
The Shift:
By aligning my values and strengths, I gained clarity on what I truly wanted. When a new opportunity arose, I approached it with confidence and authenticity. My interview wasn’t just about qualifications but about how the role could meet my evolved needs.
Takeaway:
Leaving my former company was bittersweet but necessary for my growth. Momentum helped me embrace that evolution. At graduation, I proudly shared my next chapter, ready to prioritize myself and my family.
Final Thoughts:
Looking back, it’s clear how transformative this journey has been. On Day 1, I feared the program wouldn’t work—Momentum proved me wrong. Melissa Proctor’s talk, where she shared her nonlinear career path, resonated with me deeply and inspired me to read her book, which emphasized the importance of family as a driving force.
Momentum pushed me to evaluate my network. While I initially focused on my local circle in Birmingham, I realized my broader professional network was the key to advancing my career. Kristin Powell’s session on defining my “why” led me to create a physical reminder: a ring with my daughter Hazel’s name, which I wear to work events.
Mildred Black’s session on culture helped me make a pivotal decision to accept a new job offer, offering the clarity I needed to choose the right fit. The most powerful takeaway was my Co-Mentor Group (Britney Crawford, Allison Westlake, Shakeitha Tatum, and Krysten Holloway). They weren’t just cheerleaders; they were mirrors, offering both support and tough love. Even my husband credits them with helping me break through my doubts.
While this journey led me to a new professional opportunity, it’s not just about changing jobs. This journey wasn’t just about a career shift—it was about growth, reflection, and learning to prioritize what matters.
In the end, Momentum didn’t just provide a toolkit—it gave me the confidence to evolve and chart my own course.
Contributed by Haley Ashway
Prefabrication Integration Manager at JE Dunn Construction
Momentum Leaders – Upward Class Six
