Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Voeks – A career fueled by passion and innovation
In the heart of Detroit, Michigan, Ashley Voeks embodies the transformative journey of an educator turned advocate for technology in the classroom. A graduate of Wayne State University with a master’s degree in French, Voeks's career path highlights the power of adaptability and the spirit of continuous learning.
After earning her degree in 2013, Voeks made the bold decision to move to Austin, Texas, to pursue a Ph.D. in French Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Her academic journey eventually led her to Texas Tech University, where she thrived as an assistant professor of French. However, her path shifted dramatically when she ventured into the field of educational technology, recognizing how it could enhance learning experiences in novel ways.
Today, as a senior customer success manager at D2L, Voeks has the opportunity to directly influence student success by helping educators and staff maximize the effectiveness of the tools their institutions have invested in. In this position, she supports both faculty and students in creating more effective learning environments.
Despite the rewards of her position, Voeks faces challenges unique to the educational technology sector. She navigates budget constraints while balancing the diverse needs of clients and managing expectations among various stakeholders. Each day includes a range of responsibilities: leading client meetings, analyzing engagement data and identifying opportunities for clients to adopt additional features, all aimed at ensuring maximum value from D2L’s offerings.
Through her experiences, Voeks emphasizes that a successful career doesn’t have to be linear. She believes that diverse experiences equip professionals with valuable skill sets that are crucial in today’s job market. Her own journey exemplifies the importance of embracing non-traditional paths as she seamlessly transitioned from academia to a tech-focused role.
Committed to lifelong learning, Voeks encourages students to continually hone their skills and develop a growth mindset. She passionately advocates for the benefits of language majors in the competitive job market, asserting that proficiency in another language can significantly enhance a graduate's employability.
In addition to her role at D2L, Voeks delivers career-readiness workshops to language students across the country. Her mission is to empower the next generation of professionals by sharing insights and strategies that can help them navigate their career paths successfully.
As Voeks continues to shape her career at D2L, she serves as an inspiration for students navigating the challenges of post-graduate life. Her journey underscores a vital message: with determination, flexibility and a desire to learn, anyone can carve out a fulfilling career, regardless of how unconventional their path may seem.
In a world where change is the only constant, Voeks stands poised to embrace the future, championing technology in education while fostering the growth of learners entering a dynamic workforce.
Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn.
By Andy Jeffrey