YLS Member Profile: Ashlee Martin,
Maxwell Locke & Ritter
How did you find out about YLS?
From a friend at State Farm. She graduated a few years before I, and joined this United Way group that was focused on getting young professionals involved in the community. I tagged along with her to an event and was immediately hooked...granted it didn’t hurt that the event was Bruce Robison performing at the Austin City Limits studio.
Why did you join YLS?
I joined for the same reasons I was first attracted to YLS—an opportunity to give back to the community and to network with other young professionals. It seemed like such an innovative idea years ago, and now I see other organizations around the community imitating the YLS model…I guess that’s when you know you’re a success!
What was your favorite YLS event?
See my answer to question #1. It was an event at the Austin City Limits studio with Bruce Robison—intimate and truly Austin. I think my 2nd favorite would be another event held out at a game ranch west of town off 290—it was just an amazing venue and incorporated all United Way givers—YLS, the Tocqueville Society, etc.
What impact do you hope to make in the Austin community?
One of Maxwell Locke & Ritter’s core values is that we are built on a foundation of people dedicated to actively participating in the community. From high school, I’ve been involved in giving back to the community, and I think my past seven years with Maxwell Locke & Ritter has only strengthened that commitment. My stance is that if you’re fortunate enough to have the means to give back—whether that be money, time, or knowledge—it’s only right that you do.
What opportunities does being a YLS board member provide?
Being a YLS board member provides so many opportunities—getting to know YLS and United Way more intimately, networking with other YLS members and board members, and recruiting for YLS. I believe in YLS and United Way; as a board member I now have a platform from which to promote YLS hopefully get others excited and involved.
What was your first job?
Deloitte & Touche in San Antonio.
What is your favorite taco joint in Austin?
It’s a toss-up between the puffy tacos at Vivo or just about anything they’ll put on my plate from Torchy’s.
When you aren’t working you are...?
Playing golf or hanging out with friends and family.
Are you a native Austinite?
No, I’m originally from Amarillo, TX.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Another toss-up...either Oaxaca, Mexico or Hilton Head, South Carolina.
What advice can you give to young professionals looking to get involved?
Don’t be shy but do be picky. Ask around for opportunities and find out what others are involved in, but be sure that it’s something you are passionate about before you get involved...if the passion isn’t there, the commitment won’t be either.
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Thinking about joining YLS?
“I would highly recommend to anyone curious about YLS, to attend one of our events. The quality of members, diverse career fields, positive attitudes, combined with the common interest of giving, advocating and volunteering in our beautiful city of Austin is enough to suffice any young leader's needs.”
Eloy Alderete, Wells Fargo
Want to get more involved?
There’s no time like the present to become more involved in
the community! Join the YLS board and volunteer to be a member of
our committees to help us create, plan, and organize events and
projects for our members.
For more information or to sign up for a committee,
contact Alix Floyd at 512.225.0371 or at
alix.floyd@unitedwaycapitalarea.org.
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Volunteer work helps you realize the positive
impact you can make in someone else's life.
- Learn new skills or volunteer in your area of
expertise and teach your skills to others.
- Group volunteer projects can foster team spirit
and bring together
people from all walks of life.
- Be a positive role model to family and friends.
- Volunteering is a great way to enhance your résumé.
- Volunteering often communicates to others that
you are ambitious,
enthusiastic and care about the community.
- A Dow Jones Report noted that corporations interested
in increasing
the education of their top personnel should look to non-profit
organizations over the nation’s business schools, “
Three to five years of volunteer work can provide management experience
most corporations couldn’t provide over 20 years, if at
all” PMA Leadership Briefs, August 2000.
Ready to make a difference and get involved?
Call Alix at 512.225.0371 or write at alix.floyd@unitedwaycapitalarea.org
Click here to become a YLS member.
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