Meet Ashley – A Beach-Loving Poet Behind the Headset at USF CU

In our Humans in Finance series, we celebrate the people who make Better Banking for All more than a tagline - they make it a feeling.

Today, meet Ashley from Member Services -a mom of three, a lover of poetry and beaches, and someone whose calm voice can literally change the tone of someone’s entire day.

Success Sounds Like the Ocean

When asked what success looks like, Ashley doesn’t talk about titles or trophies.

“With my feet in the water… yep,” she says, smiling.

Success, for her, is being able to hit the beach at 9 a.m. It’s confidence - in her home, in her finances, in her mental space.

“Success is also being confident. Confident in my own home, in my pockets, my space, my mental health. That’s success.”

Her Superpower?

If you ask Ashley what her superpower is, she’ll tell you it’s kindness, calmness, and joy.

Recently, a member paused mid-conversation to tell her something unexpected: “Your voice is so calm. Whatever I was calling about this morning, I’m just now calm.”

A Perfect Day is a Busy One

While some people hope for a quiet day at work, Ashley lights up when the calls keep coming.

“A perfect day is a busy day. If I get back-to-back calls, that’s a good day,” she says. “Helping 50 members a day that’s successful to me.”

For Ashley, each call is an opportunity.

One recent moment stands out. A member called in with $500 and a simple goal: “I want to save my money.” He wasn’t sure where to start. Ashley walked him through options, explaining what a certificate (CD) was and how it could help him earn more than a traditional savings account.

That’s what makes her happy.

“Yes, what actually makes me happy is teaching some of our members about finances when they seem lost or off track,” she says. “I try to let them know what makes sense with their money and how to make more money out of their money.”

What Drives Her?

Ashley’s biggest motivation isn’t found in a branch or behind a headset - it’s at home.

“I have three lovely children. Every day I wake up and think about them first,” she says. “I want their lives to be successful. I don’t want them to struggle. I want them to see a hard-working mom so when they grow up, they become hard-working individuals too.”

Her work ethic is rooted in example.

And her daily mindset is inspired by a favorite Bible verse about being patient and kind - words she doesn’t just quote, but lives out in every member interaction.

The Poet You Didn’t Expect

Ashley also says not many people know, she loves to write.

“I’m actually a really good poet,” she admits with a laugh. “I write poetry a lot, but I’m super nervous and sensitive about my work, so I’d never do a poetry slam or anything.”

Poetry and finance might seem worlds apart but both require listening, empathy, and rhythm.

And if you’ve ever spoken to Ashley, you know there’s a certain calm cadence to the way she helps people find clarity.

Why USF Credit Union Feels Like Home

Ashley has been with USF Credit Union for nearly nine years. And from the very beginning, something felt different.

“When I first started working at the credit union, the supervisor who hired me felt like home. She immediately made me feel comfortable.”

And that feeling never left.

“This literally feels like home. I don’t think I would ever go anywhere else. I literally love working at the credit union,” she says, laughing.

If She Had a Billboard…

Her message would be bold and heartfelt:

“Once you go to a credit union, you’ll never go back. This is where my heart is.”

And when you hear her talk about helping members, supporting her children, or standing ankle-deep in the ocean at 9 a.m., you believe her.

If you’d like to experience Better Banking for All that feels a little more human - and maybe even find your own calm voice on the other end of the line - become a member today.