Lead with compassion and courage. These conversations can be uncomfortable, but discomfort is part of growth. I’ve had to step into difficult dialogues knowing I might not have the perfect words, but courage paired with compassion keeps the focus on progress rather than perfection.
As part of our series about ‘5 Steps We Must Take To Truly Create An Inclusive, Representative, and Equitable Society’ I had the pleasure to interview Ashley Peña.
Ashley Peña is the National Executive Director for Mission Connection, the outpatient extension of AMFM Healthcare’s compassion-driven and evidence-based clinical programs. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree from Rutgers University, Ashley leads a multidisciplinary team providing intensive outpatient services both in-person and via telehealth. Her clinical philosophy is rooted in compassion, trust, and inclusivity, drawing on CBT, DBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy to empower individuals toward resilience and recovery.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to ‘get to know you’. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
My journey into mental health and leadership was deeply personal. Early in life, I witnessed the transformative power of compassionate care, both in my family and community. I saw how mental health struggles could isolate people, but I also saw how the right support could help them reclaim their lives. That inspired me to pursue social work. At Rutgers University, I immersed myself in clinical training, learning evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT. When I joined AMFM Healthcare, I realized that leadership wasn’t just about policies, it was about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. That’s why Mission Connection’s outpatient programs focus on blending clinical excellence with human connection.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
The most impactful “resources” for me have really been my friends and family. They’ve been my grounding force and my reminder of what matters most. Watching them navigate life with courage and resilience has taught me more than any book could. They remind me that mental health is not just a professional passion, it’s something deeply personal and lived.
Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” by Arthur Ashe
This quote has been my compass, both personally and professionally. Early in my career, I felt overwhelmed by the enormity of systemic change needed in mental health care. But this reminded me that progress happens incrementally, whether it’s a client bravely starting therapy or a small policy shift that eventually ripples outward. It’s about showing up, even when the path isn’t fully clear.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
To me, leadership is about service. It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe enough to bring their authentic selves and brave enough to grow. I think of leadership less as directing from the top and more as walking alongside others. For example, when I stepped into my role at Mission Connection, I focused on listening first, understanding what our clinicians, staff, and clients needed. That approach has helped build trust, and it keeps me grounded in why we do this work.
Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s move to the main focus of our interview. In the summer of 2020, the United States faced a very important self-reckoning about race, diversity, equality and inclusion. This is, of course, a huge topic. But briefly, can you share your view on what made the events of 2020 different from racial reckonings in the past?
I think what made 2020 different was the collective visibility. The pandemic forced us all to slow down, and in that stillness, we couldn’t look away from the injustices that have always been there. People had the time, the space, and in many cases, the moral urgency to confront systemic racism in ways that couldn’t be ignored or brushed aside. It sparked conversations in homes, in workplaces, and in boardrooms that might not have happened otherwise.
Can you tell our readers a bit about your experience working with initiatives to promote Diversity and Inclusion? Can you share a story with us?
I’ve worked on initiatives that aim to amplify underrepresented voices in mental health care, both within organizations and in client services. I remember when we reevaluated our intake process at Mission Connection. We realized some of our forms and language unintentionally created barriers for people from different cultural backgrounds. By engaging staff from diverse perspectives and listening to client feedback, we redesigned those processes to be more inclusive and welcoming. That small change made a big difference in how comfortable people felt accessing care.
This may be obvious to you, but it will be helpful to spell this out. Can you articulate to our readers a few reasons why it is so important for a business or organization to have a diverse executive team?
A diverse executive team brings more than representation, it brings perspective. When leadership reflects a range of lived experiences, decision-making becomes more thoughtful, creative, and equitable. It also signals to staff and clients that their voices matter. In mental health, that’s especially critical, because people want to feel understood not just clinically but also culturally and personally.
Ok. Here is the main question of our discussion. You are an influential business leader. Can you please share your “5 Steps We Must Take To Truly Create An Inclusive, Representative, and Equitable Society”? Kindly share a story or example for each.
1 . Listen deeply and often. Real change starts with listening to the people most impacted. For example, when staff of color shared their experiences of microaggressions, we didn’t dismiss them. We created forums for dialogue and followed through with training and policy updates.
2 . Keep learning. Inclusion isn’t a box you check once. I make it a priority for myself and my team to engage in continued learning, whether through workshops, books, or lived conversations, because biases don’t disappear overnight.
3 . Examine systems, not just individuals. It’s not enough to encourage inclusive behavior. You have to look at the structures that hold inequities in place. At Mission Connection, we reviewed hiring practices to ensure our candidate pools were diverse and equitable.
4 . Create accountability. Good intentions without accountability don’t create change. That’s why we set measurable goals for diversity in leadership and review them regularly. This keeps us honest and motivated.
5 . Lead with compassion and courage. These conversations can be uncomfortable, but discomfort is part of growth. I’ve had to step into difficult dialogues knowing I might not have the perfect words, but courage paired with compassion keeps the focus on progress rather than perfection.
We are going through a rough period now. What makes you optimistic about the future of the US? Can you please explain?
I’m optimistic because I see resilience and creativity in younger generations. They’re challenging outdated systems, prioritizing mental health, and pushing for equity in ways that feel both urgent and hopeful. I believe their courage to speak up and their insistence on inclusion will continue to reshape our society for the better.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I would love to meet Brené Brown. Her work on vulnerability and leadership has shaped so much of my own approach. I would love to talk with her about how to expand those ideas into organizational cultures on a larger scale.
How can our readers follow you online?
They can follow our work through Mission Connection’s website and connect with me on LinkedIn.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Thank you so much, it’s been an honor to share and connect.
Ashley Peña of Mission Connection: ‘Lead With Compassion and Courage’ was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.