Osano’s Own Women in Privacy: Ashley Fowler

Welcome to the second installment of our three-part series profiling the Women in Privacy at Osano! We’re excited to feature Ashley Fowler, Osano’s Senior Privacy Program Manager. Ashley is another vital part of our Privacy Team.  

Like our Chief Privacy Officer, Rachael Ormiston, Ashley helps support our customers and keep Osano compliant. Ashley focuses on the regulatory environment, tracking laws and enforcements and telling us what happened, what it means, and why we should care. She was featured in Wednesday Women’s Women in Privacy series as a Woman to Watch in privacy. She’s smart, she’s hilarious, and she adds so much to life at Osano! 

Below, Ashley answers our questions about her work in privacy and her other passions. 

How Did You Get into Privacy? 

Honestly it was a complete accident. I was working at a company, mostly in the finance space, when an old boss reached out about a job in the compliance organization doing privacy threshold and impact assessments and helping with international compliance.  

I did not even know either of those things existed. Privacy assessments? International what now? I should mention, this was Q3 2018, so the GDPR had shaken up a lot of major international corporations (including mine). Our compliance organization (where privacy sits) needed help. Luckily, they picked me for the role. It was a COMPLETELY new world, but I was in the privacy organization there for around six years. I always said, if I ever left the privacy field, it would be because somebody kicked me out, because I love it.  

What Inspires You Most? 

People are my source of inspiration. Specifically, people who remain kind and genuine, even through adversity and the toughest of times. I think it shows a type of commendable mental strength to have chaos all around and still put your best foot forward—it is simple but inspiring.  

What Would You Do for a Living If You Weren’t Doing This? 

This question is always SO tough because I am split down the middle. I would either be a park ranger or running an animal sanctuary. Animals and nature both bring me so much joy and both are where I find my peace. So, if money didn’t make the world go round and I didn’t have an expensive travel habit, probably one of those two things. 

What Do You Wish More People Knew About Data Privacy? 

That privacy is not cybersecurity and not only about breaches or someone’s data being on the dark web. I wish people knew that privacy is about choices, transparency, and control over their data. They have options and need to care as much about the privacy of their personal data as much as they do about the money in their bank accounts.  

What Career Advice Would You Give to Other Women? 

Never compromise who you are or make yourself smaller for the comfort of others. There is a time to listen, sit back, observe, and then there are times to speak up and be bold. Granted, it is hard navigating those two things. But just don’t lose the core of who you are along the way.  

When I’m Not Managing Privacy, I... 

Hike, camp, head to the mountains, pet kitties, feed cows, and travel.  

When I Started My Career, I Wish I Knew... 

That being myself is enough and that, at MANY times in EVERYONE’S career, they have no idea what they are doing. They just have to figure it out and hold on tight. 

A Typical Day for Me at Osano Includes... 

• Supporting our customer-facing organizations: This can be answering privacy questions, joining calls, helping with internal and external content, or training and enablement. 

• Staying up to speed on the regulatory environment to make sure our product and internal operations are always compliant. 

• Corporate compliance functions (policies reviews/updates, assessments, audit, etc.) 

I Joined Osano Because... 

I believed in and wanted to be a part of the mission of making privacy simple and valuable for both businesses and consumers. Privacy matters to me personally and professionally so working for a company where that is their main mission and value was something I couldn’t pass up. Osano’s status as a B-Corp is huge to me. A company that meets high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency is music to my ears and aligns with my own personal values.  

My Favorite Thing About Working at Osano Is... 

It’s cheesy and probably overused but I promise it is the truth. The people. Everyone at Osano wants to be at Osano and you can feel that. It is very clear we are all working towards a common goal and always come in ready to work together to get there. Being a smaller company, you feel connected with everyone and that makes for a more impactful experience and result.  

What’s One Thing Most People Don’t Know About You? 

I live in a tiny house. And I mean TINY—a 355-square-foot footprint with a small loft. Connect with me if you want to know more about that :) 

Join Our Women in Privacy Meetup 

Thanks Ashley! Women in Privacy: Treat yourself and come hang out with Ashley in real time as she hosts our Women in Privacy Meetup tomorrow: Sex, Lies, and AI: Dating Apps and Privacy 

Wednesday, February 12 

1-2 pm EST 

We have a few spots left: Register today! Hope to see you there!