Meet Ashley Payne | Scientist and CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Payne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve spent years in an academic setting earning a Masters, PhD and working in a clinical setting conducting scientific research and writing. There were many struggles and mental breakdowns because I was challenged a lot with little guidance at times. However, throughout that journey, I embraced my talents and discovered that all of my work is a true passion and even character traits to learn new things in the fields of science and public health. It became bigger than me. I am always fulfilled when I can help others pursue their academic and professional goals because it leads to mental growth in other areas of their life. Eventually, I began to recognize my leadership skills and decided to transfer those skills and produce Payne Sciences.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Professionally, I am a scientist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention working in the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases in the Division of Parasitic Disease and Malaria. I engage in human subjects research in the U.S and other countries and continents such as Africa and Mexico. I also lead health equity science efforts in the division by being part of the processes of evidence based research, backed by conceptual frameworks that lead to all populations having access to health resources.

To get to where I am, started by networking with CDC employees on LinkedIn and maintaining professional relationships. They would send me emails about job openings but I never made it too far in the interviewing process like being the selected candidate. So, I went the federal contracting route with the CDC and that is where my career started. It was not easy because as a contractor, you are subject to getting released from your position or contract. Although my experiences were not the best, I still pursued my goal by continuing to network, accept informational interviews with different colleagues, and apply for positions. I was only a contractor for 6 months before I accepted a permanent position in another division. My career became secure!

The keyword is to network and build strong relationships. If I had stayed in my shell, I would not have met some of the most generous and amazing people to help me push forward and set me up in rooms that I deserved to be in. Most importantly, I am here because of God’s grace. Mentally, I wanted to give up so many times but having unwavering faith will get you much further ahead, and all that I mentioned previously is a prime example of that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I want my friends to feel as comfortable as possible. The first thing I would do is send a car service to get them from the airport so when they enter Atlanta, it’s a breeze.

After getting settled in, we would go to a nice brunch spot like Barneys or Le Colonial and catch up on a some good talk. More than likely a lot of shopping would take place to ease off the food from walking the mall so much, lol! I love museums! I would look to see if there is an exhibit at the High Museum of Art and if it’s a Friday night, we’ll get to tour, eat and drink champagne.

We would also go to some nice lounges, house parties – if that’s going on, the beltline to some restaurants and just explore. The majority of my friends are back home in Houston, TX., so coming here is like a tourist site for them. I’d make sure to incorporate whatever they want to do into our schedule. Regardless, we are having a good time full of laughs and new memories.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely have to give a shoutout to my mentors Dr. Akalita Ross and Dr. Kambria Haire. Dr. Ross was my psychology professor during my undergraduate studies. She would make me talk in class and I’m such an introvert! My deal was to come to class, learn, take these exams and bounce! I sat in the back of the class, and I remember trying to avoid making eye contact with her. She would purposely blurt out my name, “Ms. Payne, would you like to answer?!!”. I cringed but she helped me to come out of my shell and speak up, show my intelligence. She’s a breath of fresh air and so optimistic. She’s always been so supportive, that’s my girl!

Dr. Haire is my mentor at my current work, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She is the prime example of “representation matters”. She took me under her wing and gave me so much insight into navigating the tough trails of being a scientist working for a huge agency. She has motivated me to continue to show up as my authentic self all while helping others who look like me, and young professionals who are trying to tap into their careers and understand what is for them is always destined.

Website: https://paynesciences.com/

Instagram: ayepayne_