Ashley Fong, our Director of Technical Operations and all-around automation Jedi, has never shied away from a challenge during her tenure with Carpe Data. Even before it was called Carpe Data, Ashley was applying her wealth of talents to all corners of the company; from user experience to data security, web design and development to API wizardry, you can bet at some point or another Ashley’s done it. When she’s not building the future of data for insurance, you can find her planning her next adventure to a remote jungle or seaside scuba retreat. And while COVID may have put a damper on Ashley’s travel plans, nothing— and we mean nothing— stands between her and her goals.
What is your current role and what are you responsible for?
My role is Director, Technical Operations. I am responsible for creating, implementing, and maintaining the industry standard for our APIs and customer integrations.
What other roles have you held at Carpe Data?
I started as a Social Media Analyst at Social Intelligence, the company Carpe Data eventually evolved from. I’ve also had roles in Quality Assurance, Billing and Accounting, Project Management, Product, and Client Solutions. Client Solutions focused on client integrations and automation of processing files, as well as assisting clients to understand how we fit into their workflows. I’ve done a little bit of everything!
What keeps you coming back to work at Carpe Data?
As many have already said, the people and culture are great here at Carpe Data and are two of the reasons why I love working here. The other reasons include innovation, freedom to create in the groundbreaking space we’re exploring, and working with the bleeding-edge technology to drive technology and our products forward.
Can you tell us about a career highlight at Carpe Data?
I feel like I’ve had a lot of career highlights, but the one that sticks out the most is the press release we did with Allstate. We had completed our first iteration of the claims product (now known as Claimant Activity), and I played a major role in seeing the product through from conceptualizing the process through testing and finally, to the deal signing. It was a very validating time for the company and me personally.
What makes you proud to be a Carpe Data team member?
Carpe Data encourages learning whether it’s directly related to your role or just general knowledge unique to our new industry. Managers actively support and advocate for career development in all forms, from personal development opportunities to role changes. We’re all learning as we go and the space to explore fosters a great environment of shared curiosity.
What was your past work or educational background before joining Carpe Data?
I have a BA in Studio Art from University of California, Santa Barbara. Previously, I worked at a few retail shops and at an authorized Apple reseller.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing at Carpe Data?
I want to learn as much as possible on how to run a business. In doing that, I’m also striving to become the best leader I can be, for our people and for our technology.
What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back to your first few months at Carpe Data?
My general advice for younger Ashley and new members, but really an everyday reminder for everyone: work hard but be patient. There are a lot of instances where things simply can’t happen instantly but that doesn’t mean they were forgotten, so don’t stop putting in effort into work because you don’t see the immediate results. I liken it to the popular saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
