
Profile: Barbara Ashby
Profile: Barbara Ashby
Barbara is WorkLife and Wellness Manager for Human Resources, a unit of the Office of the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer. Barbara – essentially the “mother” of the university Breastfeeding Support Program – just celebrated her 25 year anniversary at UC Davis.
When did you join the University?
I came to UC Davis in 1984 for graduate school and never left. In 1990 I was hired as the first campus Child Care Coordinator, which was a joint appointment with Student Housing and Human Resources.
What's your day-to-day role in stewarding university resources?
I manage the WorkLife and Wellness program, providing vision and strategy for programs, policies, resources and education that enable employees and students to be effective at work, school and home. My responsibilities address dependent care and family services, health and wellness, financial support, community involvement and career flexibility across One UC Davis.
What's an example of how you delight customers?
I encourage everyone to think about the work-life paradigm as one of integration rather than balance. Envision a tapestry with the strands of work, self, home/family and community weaving under, over and through each other. With that mindset, we can consider the range of possibilities, make connections and find solutions that fit the situation and circumstances.
"Being part of such a diverse and dynamic academic community inspires me to be curious, creative, resourceful and innovative."
What do you like best about working at UC Davis?
Because WorkLife and Wellness serves staff, faculty and students, I have the opportunity to collaborate and partner with people and programs across the campus and UC system. Being part of such a diverse and dynamic academic community inspires me to be curious, creative, resourceful and innovative.
What's the most challenging part of your job?
My vision is a common understanding that work-life is about diversity and inclusion. That it is recognition and respect for individual life circumstances and choices; not just a women’s issue focused on children and caregiving. Holding that vision drives me to follow my passion and persevere in developing and offering comprehensive programs and services.