Shawano’s professional community is in good hands with the likes of Ashley Steenbock.
Steenbock is the Shawano Area Young Professionals (saYPro) 2024 Young Professional of the Year.
Steenbock started her career working in diagnostic imaging at ThedaCare Shawano. She was in that role for about six years.
“I always had a passion for leadership and helping others achieve their goals, which is what lead me to transferring to a clinic supervisor role,” she said. “I worked as the clinic supervisor for the Shawano call group for about three years before I transferred back to diagnostic imaging as the manager.”
This recent promotion to imaging manager came in December 2024.
“I have always aspired to becoming the diagnostic imaging manager, and reaching this has been my ultimate career goal. Being in a leadership role comes with its challenges, but it also offers the rewarding opportunity to guide and develop a team, witness their success and directly impact the overall goals of the team and the organization.”
Steenbock was nominated for the award by her friend and co-worker Maggie Bohm.
“Ashley is an amazing leader in the clinic,” Bohm said prior to Steenbock’s promotion to diagnostic imaging manager. “She never thinks twice about stepping in to the work and helping out if they are short staffed or to cover lunches. She is humble, kind and sees issues from all angles before making a decision.”
Steenbock said the two instantly bonded when they started working together in the clinic.
“She is someone I consider a great friend, and I am grateful to have Maggie in my life to laugh, support and collaborate with,” Steenbock said. “We complement each other well.”
The community at large is also in good hands with Steenbock’s participation in several activities.
She was a part of last year’s Leadership Shawano County where she worked with the Hometown Heroes military banners program. She is still a part of that group and joined the steering committee for Leadership Shawano County, where she contributes to ideas of how to ensure this years group gets the best experience as well.
“She is also always looking for other ways to support nonprofits and fundraising efforts,” Bohm said.
Steenbock said being a participant in Leadership Shawano County provided a unique opportunity to learn about the area, develop leadership skills and grow relationships within the community.
“It was rewarding to see the interactions and teamwork that was developed with my classmates through each session,” she said. “Each person brought a different perspective and skill to the table. Working together, being creative, coming up with solutions and following through with those solutions was gratifying. This why I chose to join the steering committee afterwards. I wanted to share these amazing opportunities for involvement within our community and to make a meaningful impact with others.”
Part of the mission of saYPro members is to engage “in a career and exemplify strong morals and ethics, and strive for personal and career related growth, achieved by experience, education and positive relationships.”
Bohm said Steenbock fits that mission well.
“She always looks for more education opportunities and learning opportunities, whether it be seminars, trainings or podcasts and books,” Bohm said. “She engages in her communities, both in Shawano and Clintonville where her boys go to school. Treating everyone fairly is a big part of who she is, and she holds her employees to a high standard, while also guiding them and supporting them to be the best they can be.”
Steenbock said she strives to exemplify strong morals and ethics as she goes personally and professionally.
“I consistently prioritize honesty, integrity, fairness and accountability in all professional interactions,” she said. “I continue to seek opportunities to learn and develop new skills, take on challenges, build on communication and expand my knowledge base.”
Serving as an example of the group’s mission statement both takes effort and comes naturally for Steenbock.
“It can be challenging to live up to the standards set by a mission statement, as everyone makes mistakes and faces situations where they might not perfectly embody the ideals they strive for, leading to constant self-reflection for improvements,” she said. “However, there are pieces to the mission statement that just occur naturally, because it’s a reflection of my purpose, values and direction, that I want to guide my team toward. Being a part of a team is a privilege, and being in a leadership position is an opportunity to positively impact those around you.”
Like all good leaders, Steenbock has been inspired by others along the way. Samantha Sperberg played a large part in Steenbock’s community involvement.
“Her unwavering positivity and commitment to improving our community really motivated me to get involved,” Steenbock said. “Sam is passionate, determined and a positive influence to those around her. She challenges you to grow by getting you outside of our comfort zone to pursue higher heights, and sees your strengths and encourages you be believe in your potentials.
“I have witnessed Sam dedicate countless hours to organizing fundraiser events, actively champion innovative ideas for community involvement and confidently lead others by working collaboratively toward a common goal.”
Of course, there are those at work who inspire Steenbock.
“My leadership style has been shaped by several inspiring people throughout my career,” she said. “Each individual, whether through their actions, behaviors or teachings, have positively influenced my development as a leader and provided me with valuable insights and examples to model my own leadership approach.”
Steenbock and her husband, Tyler, have two sons, Hudson, 6, and Jackson, 4.
Along with her work and community activities, she also manages her time to attend the boys’ baseball practices, games and swimming lessons.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
Community in good hands with likes of Steenbock
