Seventeen-year-old Ashley Jones may be young but she already knows a thing or two about being a girl boss. The Voyageur Prep High School senior is breaking down barriers in the male-dominated world of robotics as the captain of the all-girl robotics team, Midnight Mercy Storm while giving back to her community. As an inspiration to young girls interested in a career in technology, Ashley lets girls know they can be independent and fearless.
Did you always have an interest in math, science and technology growing up in Southwest Detroit? Who inspired your love of STEM?
Kind of. I was always interested. I just didn’t know about the careers available to me. My mother, brother and father always encouraged me but being a part of robotics team is when I discovered I had a love for it.
Who are your sheroes and why?
Whoa! That’s kind of hard. I would have to say Demi Lovato just because of all she has been through with her eating disorder. I admire how she came back from that.
What is so cool about robotics and being the captain of an all-girls robotics team?
I really like that we have equal opportunity. With other teams, girls don’t get to work on the robots because the boys are doing it. They are usually doing the marketing or something other than working with the actual robot. I just like that we get to. I just love to build.
Why should more girls get involved with robotics?
It’s always been something that we’ve been told we can’t do. Even if you’re not really into STEM, there’s always something on the team that you can do. At least if you’re a part of it, you’ll leave with having more knowledge about tools than you did when you came in. Knowing what a screwdriver is from Allen wrench and how different things work when you are putting things together makes you more independent for when you get older. You can fix it yourself rather than calling someone and spending the money.
How do you help teachers at your school inspire young girls to pursue their dreams?
My AP biography teacher uses me as an example an awful lot. I was a part of the Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science. It’s a six-week summer program at MIT. She tells the students, “You guys can do this! She tested out of the biology class. You guys can be like her!” I said, “Oh that’s great but thanks!” Yeah, I don’t know what to say at that point.
What’s next on the horizon for you?
College, definitely college. After that, whatever my degree is in, I’ll probably go work in that field for a few years. I’ll probably come back and get my master’s degree. Depending on whether I’m Biomed, mechanical or PolyScience will determine whether I get my doctorate’s degree. I really want to start a nonprofit because they’ve had a huge impact in my life. I want to give back to robotics and go back to help the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation out. I’d like to help the Rhonda Walker Foundation out as well. Just give back in general to things that made me who I am today.
Where can we find you on social media?
Our Instagram is @mercymidnightstorm and I believe you can find us on Facebook at Mercy Midnight Storm too.
