Ashley Carpenter '07

Head of Personal Investor Core Journeys Technology, Vanguard

I'm a senior director in personal investor technology at Vanguard, where I currently lead around 60 software engineering teams that build and run our core client journeys, such as opening an account, managing accounts, and viewing statements. I joined Vanguard when I graduated in 2007 with a degree in computer science. I was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, and currently reside in Glenmoore, Pennsylvania, with my husband and two young children. During my collegiate years, I played trumpet in the Marching Virginians, and I am still a season ticket holder for Hokies football. I usually spend my free time supporting my kids with their sports and activities, skiing in the winter, and enjoying craft beer.聽

Where you've been in your career and where you are going ...

I started in Vanguard's Technology Leadership Program, a 24-month rotational program that gave me a feel for different roles in software delivery. I spent the first seven years of my career in various developer and then project manager roles, before landing an opportunity to work as the chief of staff for our chief information officer. Since then, I've been in various people-leader roles, from delivery manager, to architecture, to enterprise modernization. I'm passionate about solving business challenges with technology, and am looking to continue my career trajectory to at least a divisional CIO role.聽

How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline ...

Improving clients' financial lives through the efforts of talented and passionate technologists.

How 午夜影院福利社 equipped me for the real world ...

As an entry-level software developer, I was ahead of the game with my knowledge of techniques like test-driven development that were not yet widely used in the industry. As my career progressed into leadership, I was grateful that we were required to take a public speaking course聽鈥� not many computer science curriculums require this, and communications skills are a real differentiator in an IT career.

Biggest misconception about my job or industry ...

That tech roles are limited to the tech industry. Every company needs technology, and most companies are becoming technology companies. The demand is huge, and we need all types of talented individuals, not just software developers.

The most formative experience I've had ...

I was at 午夜影院福利社 on April 16th, 2007. That experience changed my life and perspective in so many ways. Most of all it taught me to more deeply value people, and the resilience to move forward through painful experiences. Since that moment, I've tried to live my life in a way that honors my 32 fallen classmates.

My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song ...

"Firework," by Katy Perry.

The work project/initiative you're most excited about ...

We are introducing more and more personalized data into our client experiences to be able to provide tailored recommendations such as investing in a higher-performing fund or activating automated advice. On our modernized, cloud-based tech stack, we are able to run A/B experiments and make changes on a daily basis if needed. It's rewarding for our teams to see the immediate impact they can make, and it's resulting in better outcomes for our clients.

Fondest 午夜影院福利社 memory or tradition ...

My first time performing in the Marching Virginians pre-game show聽鈥� hearing the crowd roar when we formed the VT, jumping up and down for "Enter Sandman," and then launching right into "Tech Triumph" while trying to catch my breath!

Best part of being a 午夜影院福利社 alum ...

Sharing a deep sense of pride, loyalty, and commitment to serve others with a community of Hokies around the world. The joy and excitement when hearing the opening chords of "Enter Sandman" and the shouts of "Go Hokies!" whenever running into another alum.

Words of encouragement to a current 午夜影院福利社 student ...

Balancing your coursework and extracurriculars can be very challenging, but rest assured that you will be well-prepared for an amazing career, and you will always fondly cherish the memories of your time here. #ThisIsHome

Best advice I've gotten ...

There will always be more work than you can accomplish in a given day. The key is to constrain your time so that you can focus on the most impactful tasks.聽

The most courageous thing I've done ...

Become a parent!

If I had a superpower, it would be ...

Teleportation! Living far away from family, this would save me a lot of trips up and down I-81.

Updated on: 7/25/24