Juliette Ashford and her husband, Stanley, live in the Bywy community of Choctaw County. They have three children, Terrance, Torrence and StanDria. Ashford attends Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church where she serves as an assistant Sunday School teacher, youth director and choir member. She also serves her church as deaconess. Juliette is the receptionist at Choctaw Regional Medical Center, and she also serves as poll manager for District 5.
A typical day begins with Ashford thanking God for a new day and putting a smile on her face as she prepares for her day at CRMC where she performs her duties as Human Resource Asst., as well as switchboard operator, and her day is filled with greeting patients and visitors and directing them to their various points of interests.
Ashford states that advancement at CRMC is not difficult and there are several men in leadership roles who encourage advancement for everyone. She added that those in management have seen qualities in her that she did not see in herself; being a self-starter has helped her to advance quickly in almost every job she has had.
Ashford motivates herself with a positive mindset and encouraging words to others; she always reminds herself that there is no task too big, and if she does not accomplish it on the first try, she must try again.
Her inspiration does not come from just one person; she receives excellent support from her immediate family and her CRMC family and friends in the community.
Her advice for the next generation of female leaders is to go into a profession in which they can be happy, and never sell themselves short. Set goals and utilize the resources that are available. Stand as a leader, act as a leader and be the type of person that others are willing to follow.
Some important life lessons for Ashford are be honest, be humble and remember that hard work pays off. And as a leader, remind yourself that it’s not about you.
