Ashley Howard

Syngenta Flowers

Planning manager — Seeds

What professional and/or personal accomplishments are you most proud of?

• Personally, I am very proud of how I am raising my daughter to be strong, independent and kind.
• Professionally, I am proud of my part in building and growing our flower seed operations site in Indiana. We have built a dynamic and productive team who are really like a family. I am very proud of that.
• Finally, I’m proud to be that person, personally and professionally, who is positive and doesn’t take myself too seriously, all while building up those around me.

What led you to work in horticulture?

• My older sister is involved in the horticulture industry. Watching her enjoy her job and grow personally and professionally in this field made me want to try it myself.
• My sister was asked to open an order fulfillment site around 12 years ago and I applied for a customer service support position — and I got the job!

What’s the best thing about your job? 

• I get to do what I love, every day.

Describe to a 6-year-old what you do in life?

• I send flower seeds around the world so that people can grow them and enjoy beautiful flowers.

What are your favorite hobbies?

• Spending time with my husband and daughter, creating art and watching musical theater

When you’re not working, what are two to three things we could find you doing?

• Chasing my 2.5 year old
• Dancing and singing with my 2.5 year old
• Drinking lots of coffee

Do you have any unusual talents, or can you tell us something interesting about yourself that other people may be surprised to find out?

• For a few years during college, I rocked out with a mohawk haircut.

One thing you can’t live without?

• My daughter Frankie!

What are you (un)secretly good at?

• I’m really good at laughing!

What are your top three bucket list items?

• To learn how to play a musical instrument
• See the Great Pyramid of Giza
• See Matthew McConaughey and run off into the sunset together

What’s your favorite plant variety and why?

• I love sunflowers!
• There is nothing more striking than a huge field covered in blooming sunflowers.

You’re buying a vacation package to anywhere in the world without a budget, where are you going?

• Thailand