Ashley Jackrel

Meet Ashley Jackrel

What is your role at Avison Young?

Senior Associate, Office & Investment Services. As a commercial real estate Agent, I help people and businesses in the Charleston MSA to focus on their lives and work by facilitating their real estate transactions.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

After building a unrelated business, it came time to shift to the next project. I'd been encouraged to consider real estate but was resistant to many aspects of the residential segment of the industry. A few happenstance interactions later, I came upon an opportunity to join a company as a commercial specialist and jumped on it! It’s been a wild ride and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

My Mom! When I was in second grade, I brought home my first less-than-perfect report card. I was so afraid to show it to her as a teacher at my school. She said something in that moment that neither of us would have anticipated having the lasting impact it did. She said, "If this grade is the best that you can do, then you don't have anything to worry about. You just do the best you can." I knew it wasn't, that I'd been goofing off in rebellion of having a teacher change two-weeks into the year. In a way, her approval of my grade made me feel even worse than if she'd chastised me and I was motivated to make her proud and work hard from there on. It speaks to my overall outlook on life: provide the best you can, that is our contribution to create a greater society.

What advice would you give women starting out in real estate?

Have three years living expenses plus your business investment costs in the bank and experience with commercial real estate transactions, or take a role with financial and institutional support. Don't be afraid to take on the risk, but don't do it to prove anything, either. Be confident in betting on yourself.

This year's IWD theme is Choose to Challenge. What do you choose to challenge or celebrate to help create more inclusion in your community?

Living in Charleston, SC, I Choose to Challenge traditional gender norms. In southern areas in particular, women are expected to hold particular roles and carry themselves in a certain way. I challenge the idea that women should not speak up or be passionate about their work and community. There is always room for women’s contributions at the table.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I'm an introvert. That seems to have become a profound reality when shared of late. While I can certainly play the part when the time comes and despite many objections, I’m definitely an introvert! The pandemic – not to downplay all its terrors – has allowed me to “live my best life”, although I think we can all agree we’re ready to pull out of the doldrums.

What women’s organizations would you recommend other women get involved with?

CREW has been a great CRE organization for me. I'm a member of other women-only networks through philanthropic and personal interests, but I also encourage women to step outside their comfort zone. That's how we grow! We need safe spaces certainly, but don't be afraid to join other male dominated CRE and leadership groups.