Inclusive Leadership In Action: Get To Know Ingram Micro’s Ashley Goodwin-Lowe

CRN’s list of 100-plus channel leaders focused on building inclusion features some of the most innovative and creative leaders in the IT channel. Get to know how one leader, Ashley Goodwin-Lowe of Ingram Micro, puts inclusive leadership in action.

Ashley Goodwin-Lowe is an experienced organizational change leader with over a decade in executive leadership focused on creative problem solving and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). She has conducted global research on diversity in teams since 2011 and has presented and consulted for numerous institutions, including the U.S. Air Force, earning a letter of recommendation from the Pentagon. She is the first woman to earn a doctorate in creative leadership for innovation and change from the University of the Virgin Islands. Goodwin-Lowe, dedicated to supporting underrepresented youth in Buffalo, N.Y., currently serves as the lead advisor for DEI at IT distribution giant Ingram Micro.

Goodwin-Lowe began her career in DEI in 2011 and has become a vocal advocate of creative leadership strategy within the channel ecosystem, representing the global distributor Ingram Micro. I had the opportunity to chat with her about her journey and interests outside of work. Below is an edited version of our conversation.

What inspired you to pursue a career in equity and inclusion?

My first job was as a graduate assistant in the office of DEIB while working on completing my master’s degree in creative education. Creativity is a 21st century skill that helps companies leverage talent and drive innovation. Working in the office there were many problems to solve, around sensitivity, statements, engagement, and how to be more inclusive.

Since then, I used my creative background to design strategies and tools to help leaders make DEIB content more digestible and sustainable.

What does that mean for the IT channel, specifically in today’s cultural context?

It’s no secret topics around DEIB can be difficult to discuss and train, but delivery and being knowledgeable matters. The right delivery of DEIB content and strategy helps individuals build a connection to [equity] that expands beyond a shelf life but lasts a lifetime.

What strategies do you employ to ensure that under-resourced and historically marginalized groups are heard and valued at Ingram Micro?

Our commitment to DEIB has continue to be evident as our eight ERGs (employee resource groups), DEIB facilitators hold events, speaker series, dialogues, and engage our associates in topics around inclusion. Personally, my strategy is intentional. I set milestones to map out the journey to connect with others who think differently, have different talents, skills, and life experiences etc.

What advice would you give other leaders looking to enhance equity and inclusion in their orgs?

There are four keyways to enhance DEIB in an organization.

1. Lead with the capacity and willingness to learn from others whose life experiences differ from your own.
2. Be intentional about being inclusive. Take the step to invite someone new into your network, take on a mentee, and create spaces to nurture belonging and a sense of connectedness.
3. Stay updated, read a new book, or article or take a training/certification in DEIB. There is so much to learn, but don’t be intimidated by that. Set milestones for yourself.
4. Celebrate small wins. Take a moment to recognize the differences that unify us and actively identify ways to engage through events and programming.

How has your passion for inclusive leadership evolved over time?

My passion has evolved into a lifelong commitment to include others and help create a rich tapestry of belonging. Where people feel seen, heard, valued and both physically and psychologically safe in the workplace. I am excited to transition my academic experience into corporate and share my expertise of inclusion and learn from others in the [channel] as well.

What is one interesting fact about you, Dr. Ashley?

I’m a dance teacher for kids aged from four to eight. I also love to cook dishes from around the world.