Connected Conversations: Ashley Samuels, VP of Marketing

Welcome to Connected Conversations, our new spotlight series highlighting the faces, stories, and personalities behind Kajeet.

Meet Ashley Samuels, Kajeet's VP of Marketing! A Baltimore native and proud University of Maryland alum (Go Terps!), Ashley now calls Washington, D.C., home, where she lives with her husband, their three daughters (ages 3, 6, and 8), and three dogs.

When she’s not leading Kajeet’s marketing efforts, Ashley is likely shuttling her girls to ballet or swim class—or searching local D.C. record shops for her next classic vinyl find.

To learn more about Ashley's background and favorite hobbies, we sat down with her for a quick Q&A! 

Q: What's something people would never guess about you?

A: I'm fluent in Japanese. I went to a magnet middle school, and I chose the foreign language magnet as my major. So from the age of 11 (6^th grade) through college, I studied the language and culture extensively. 

Q: If you could give your 22-year-old self one piece of career advice, what would it be?

A: There's a lot I would say to 22-year-old Ashley! But I think the biggest thing I would say is, “don’t be afraid to shoot your shot,” and that you’re meant to be IN the rooms and spaces you want to be in, so go for it. I say a variation of this to my daughters every morning before school, because I want them to know they have a voice and good ideas, and they shouldn’t be afraid to share them. 

Q: What's a place you'd happily visit again and again?

A: I absolutely love London. I visited 10 years ago, and it was one of my favorite trips. From the food to the history and walkability, it was a great time, and it’s on my list to visit again next year. 

Q: What's a family tradition from your childhood you'd love to continue?

A: Hosting Christmas dinner is a huge deal in my family. Growing up, I could always count on my cousins, aunts, uncles, and close friends to come over for dinner and watch Home Alone or The Christmas Story. My mother would cook a huge meal; the house would be packed with people, and toward the end of the night we would exchange gifts. It was loud, chaotic, and fun. I’ve started hosting Christmas dinner, and the tradition has certainly carried through. 

Q: What's your most controversial food opinion?

A: Hot take: Ketchup should be kept in the fridge after opening and should not go on hot dogs once you’re an adult. Mustard, relish, and onions are the supreme standard for hot dog toppings.        

Q: What's something your team does really well?

A: When I first joined Kajeet, a member of the sales team would often refer to the marketing team as “punching above their weight class,” and I couldn’t agree with that sentiment more. The “Marketeers,” as I refer to them, are true superheroes. They have been consistently adaptable, highly creative, and hard-working team members. I’m very proud to call them colleagues.