Alumna honored with a young professional award in Wayne County, Ohio

Seeing TV character Trent Crimm wearing an Ashland University shirt on an episode of “Ted Lasso” got Ashley (Brillhart '07) Hershberger thinking about her time at AU.

“It resonated so much with me because my favorite quote from the show is, ‘Be curious, not judgmental,’ reflecting the lessons I learned at Ashland University,” Hershberger said. “AU played a pivotal role in my leadership journey. It not only helped me embrace what makes me unique, but it also encouraged me to face challenges with curiosity and an open heart.”

Her leadership journey recently helped her be named the 2024 Young Professional ATHENA award recipient in neighboring Wayne County, where Hershberger has worked with the City of Wooster Recreation Department since her AU graduation in 2007. She has worked her way up from intern to recreation coordinator, to recreation supervisor, to department’s manager in 2022.

Hershberger and the other recipient, 2024 ATHENA award recipient Kimberly Sayers (director of business training and educational services at The Ohio State University Technical Institute (ATI) in Wooster), will be honored by the Wayne County ATHENA Awards Committee at a ceremony in December.

ATHENA awards honor women leaders

The ATHENA awards recognize women leaders who have demonstrated excellence, creativity and initiative in their professions, while making a significant impact in their communities mentoring others, according to a news release from ATHENA.

This is what the release said about the AU alumna: “Hershberger's passion for giving back to the community extends beyond her professional work. She has served as the president of the Kiwanis Club of Wooster. Additionally, she serves on the board of United Way of Wayne & Holmes Counties, Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Wooster and Woosterfest committees and the Wayne County Family and Children First Council, among others. Her commitment to the development of youth is evident through her involvement as a coach for various youth basketball and volleyball teams, as well as her leadership in athletic and community boards.”

While taking a short break from work one weekday morning to go buy mini-muffins and bananas from the grocery store for her toddlers, Hershberger received the call that she had received the honor.

“I had forgotten to get them the day before and boy was I in trouble,” Hershberger said. “It was pure chaos at my house that morning and I felt like a big-time failure. Then I got the call a few hours later that I had won an award. It was almost funny! I was extremely shocked but so incredibly honored!”

The support and encouragement of strong women throughout her life and career, including her mother, helped her receive this award, Hershberger said.

Hershberger's AU degree in Commercial Recreation

Also playing a big part in her selection, she said, was AU, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Recreation, which is now called Sport Management.

“Initially, my creativity and passion for connecting with others led me to major in Marketing when I began my studies at AU,” said Hershberger, whose degree had a concentration in Business Administration. “However, after speaking with my advisor and sharing my love for sports and coaching, I felt inspired to pursue a degree in sports management. Realizing that I could transform all of my passions into a meaningful career was a game-changer for me.”

Lance Kaltenbaugh, associate dean and associate professor for AU’s College of Business and Economics, was someone at AU who she credited with helping her build amazing relationships throughout her career with his guidance, leadership and persistent encouragement.

“I truly couldn’t be more grateful for the impact he’s had on my career,” Hershberger said.

Kaltenbaugh said she was the type of student every professor wants in their class, being very thoughtful, organized and having an internal drive to excel in and out of the classroom.

“After graduation, Ashley maintained strong connections with her peers and instructors,” Kaltenbaugh said. “She frequently returned to AU as a guest speaker in my classes and was eager to share her experiences and insights. Over the years, I have always been appreciative of her willingness to engage with student interns and be a supportive alumna.”

Hershberger grateful for the transformative impact AU on her life

Wanting to pay what she gained from AU forward to students who have followed her at the university, Hershberger hopes they will reflect on their time at Ashland University as fondly as she does when the institution is mentioned on a national stage like it was on “Ted Lasso” and many other times in her life.

“I learned to ask questions and to genuinely seek to understand those who are different from me,” Hershberger said. “This approach not only opened doors but also fostered meaningful connections and conversations. I often reflect on how, without my time at AU, I might not have found the confidence or skills needed to be as open to new experiences and perspectives as I am today. I am so grateful for the transformative impact it had on my life.”

For anyone who wants to celebrate Hershberger’s honor with her, the 2024 Wayne County ATHENA Awards ceremony will take place Tuesday, Dec. 3 in the Shisler Conference Center in Wooster with a 5 p.m. cocktail hour and 6 p.m. dinner and program. Tickets are available through Eventbrite or by contacting Jean Roberts at Jean@gomarketinggengine.com