Obsidian Spotlight: Ashley Thacker

Ashley was born and raised in Texas. She has three half-siblings who are 11, 13, and 16 years younger than her. In the fall of 2013, she moved to Washington State, for the remainder of her high school and college years. In the summer of 2021, Ashley relocated to the DC metropolitan area and began her journey at Obsidian. She started as an Executive Assistant which led to her promotion as a PMO Analyst. Outside of work, Ashley is passionate about creating art (painting design, crochet, punch needling, sewing, etc.), enjoys diving into a good book, and loves exploring the city with friends.

1. What is your role at Obsidian? How long have you been here?

My role is as PMO Analyst. I am on my 4th year at Obsidian since my start at the company as an Executive Assistant in 2021.

2. What has been one of your proudest moments while working with Obsidian?

My proudest moment at Obsidian occurs annually during our Thanksgiving and Holiday shopping trip. Each year, our team collaborates with a local charity to gather a list of essential items needed by children of all ages. We spend hours shopping for coats and other necessities. Once our shopping is complete, we load up multiple cars with our purchases and deliver them to the charity, which hosts a coat drive largely comprised of Obsidian's contributions. Being a part of this 10+ year tradition is my favorite day of the year, every year.

3. What's one thing you learned last year?

I learned the importance of the small steps forward you take every day and how they quickly add up to create big changes in life.

4. How do you define success?

My definition of success is based on your average day. Are you happy? Are you comfortable? Do you have all your necessities? Are you spending your time with quality people? Do you help others when you can? If your average day answers yes to these questions, then you’re successful in my eyes.

4. What ranks number one on your bucket list?

For quite some time my #1 item on my list has been to swim with river otters.