As the heart and driving force behind the Permobil Foundation, Ashley Davis has been a part of the philanthropic arm of Permobil from the beginning. The twinkle in her eyes is well-deserved – she gets to see up close the impact of making a difference in the lives of others every day.
Tell us about your childhood.
I grew up in Kentucky and was the oldest of three girls. I loved to do cheerleading and gymnastics. As a kid (and even now) my favorite holiday is Christmas! It’s not only the season of giving, but I love the music, the lights, and all the magic the holidays bring.
What did want to do for a career?
When I was younger, I thought I wanted to be a psychologist. After my first semester studying psychology at Eastern Kentucky University, I knew I wanted a different career path. So I decided to pursue a career that was more in line with my personality and received a degree in Public Relations.
What led you to Permobil? Why did you want to work for Permobil?
When I was the Director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, I had the opportunity to work with Permobil as a corporate sponsor. I loved getting to come visit the facility and the passion that I saw from all the employees. Permobil’s leadership approached me about an idea to better assist end users when they are denied by insurance for their wheelchair needs, by starting a charitable branch at Permobil. Although I was not looking for a job change, through much thought and prayer, I knew Permobil was where I was meant to be. It filled my heart to know that a company was so committed to improving the lives of others!
What does your current job entail?
As the Director of the Foundation, I would categorize my job into three main areas: First, assisting end users in their journey to get the wheelchair and parts they need to live independently and planning wheelchair surprises. Second, leading partnership sponsorships with non-profit organizations across the United States. Third, fundraising initiatives to ensure that we can meet the demand of requests we receive. In addition to the Foundation role, I also lead our Community Relations department across the US by encouraging volunteer involvement in our local communities and planning employee engagement initiatives.
How has working for Permobil been different than what you anticipated?
It has been amazing to see the impact Permobil has been able to make through their acquisitions and the growth of the Permobil team. I also would have never imagined that I would have the skill of getting 10 manual wheelchairs into one minivan for a wheelchair challenge (while in heels) or the incredible opportunity of being on the field at Major League Baseball parks!
What excited you the most about your job?
I like to use the saying “the priceless gift of mobility”. I get to see the look of joy and excitement in our end users’ eyes when they receive their new Permobil. It truly is a gift and forever changes not only their lives, but their caregivers' and families' lives.
What does the average day look like for you?
No two days are ever the same and I wear a lot of hats. You can find me asking a corporation for sponsorship donation, loading a van with event supplies, talking to an end user about their wheelchair insurance denial, planning employee engagement events, volunteering with non-profits, writing speeches, or on a Teams call with co-workers planning our next wheelchair surprise with a major sports team. No day is ever the same, and why you will always find a checklist on my desk so I know which hat I am wearing that day.
What would say is your biggest accomplishment since working at Permobil?
My biggest accomplishment at Permobil is launching the Permobil Foundation into a 501c3 non-profit organization. It was an undertaking that involved legal experts, corporate partners, and internal stakeholders with lots of planning and collaboration, but it brings me immense pride to know that we have helped over 4,500 individuals since the Foundation’s inception in 2017 and supported over 90% of the requests from end users that we have received. Something that each of us at Permobil can be proud of and it says a lot about our company!
What has been your favorite project you’ve worked on during your time with Permobil?
My favorite project is our wheelchair surprise initiative with major sports teams. The concept started our first year with the TN Titans when we surprised an injured high school football quarterback with a new Permobil on the field. Since that time, the program has grown each year as we salute our veterans and have been to other NFL stadiums, National Hockey League events, and in the past three years we developed multi-year partnerships with Major League Baseball and Live Like Lou, where we surprise ALS patients live at baseball games.
Who are you outside of work?
I have two lovely girls, Olivia (10) and Taylor (5), and am married to my amazing husband of 16 years, JD. Outside of work, you can find me volunteering whether that be for my kids' school, the PTO, or their sporting activities. I love being a mom. You can also find me hosting friends and family, especially in the summertime for backyard barbecues and swimming parties.
Have you ever met anyone famous?
Living in Nashville you meet and see famous people all the time. I really do not get starstruck and I have learned celebrities just want to be treated like everyone else. I did get to meet Bob Barker on The Price is Right – I love game shows, so that was a lot of fun. I have also hung out with Bret Michaels (Poison), Tiffany, and numerous country music artists. I’m still waiting to meet Dolly Parton though!
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
I actually don’t enjoy talking in front of people.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life, and what lessons did that person teach you?
My biggest influencer was my grandmother. She was the strongest person I have ever met. My grandfather passed away at only 28 and my grandmother raised five kids on her own in an era where most women did not work out of the home. She took on two jobs to ensure that her kids never needed anything. She was always my go-to person to ask for advice and she never steered me wrong. She encouraged me to work hard at everything I did, to stay strong as life isn’t easy, to always show grace, and to never give up. Unfortunately, my grandmother passed away this year and it’s still hard not being able to reach out to her for advice.
Rapid fire questions:
Favorite indulgence?
Mexican, queso, and a margarita!
What season do you like best and why?
My favorite season is summer! I love warm weather and being able to enjoy the outdoors whether it’s by the pool, beach, or a patio…and a good umbrella drink!
If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
It would be my Dad. I lost my father when I was 8 years young and I would give anything to just give him a hug, hear his voice, and just talk to him about life and get to know him.
What is your favorite movie of all time?
A tie between: Pursuit of Happiness (a movie about determination, family and working hard to fulfill your dream) & Beaches (a story of friendship and being there for each other).
Coolest place you’ve travelled to?
Jamaica. It is gorgeous and everyone is happy and the lifestyle is so relaxed, so what’s not to love!
Sheri-Lynne Ljucovic
Marketing Communications Manager
Sheri-Lynne is a communication professional with over 20 years of experience in writing, editing, marketing, and graphic design. She studied Journalism and Corporate Communications and is fondly referred to as Eagle Eyes for her keen proofreading skills. Sheri-Lynne was introduced to the complex rehab industry when she joined Permobil in 2017.