Ashton Washington’s roots create foundation for role with Bears

Throughout her journey, Washington has faced much skepticism and discouragement about her chosen path. Now, she’s breaking barriers and paving the way for women of color.

“When I was in college, I heard, ‘you should choose a more realistic career path for a woman of color,'” Washington said. “I’ve never let them steer me.”

While working for the University of Illinois football team under previous Bears coach Lovie Smith, Washington absorbed Smith’s coaching strategies and they became rooted in her. Washington gleaned valuable insight from the college scene that became instrumental in her role as a trailblazing scout for the Bears.

“He [Smith] had tendencies of running our program like an NFL program, especially to get those players ready,” Washington said. “There’s a lot of similarities that I see or with the stuff that’s transcended here and what I do. I never knew that would help me to where I am now.”

Her skill set has allowed her to continue being a trailblazer. Beyond this, she never took no for an answer and advised other women of color to do the same. Washington emphasized the importance of being determined in this industry while having love and passion for the game, whether that be in the NBA or MLS. For her, that was football.

“You’re going to hear more no’s than yes’s, and every time you hear no keep going at it,” Washington said. “I had my direction on football and I’ve never let anybody deter me towards anything else outside of football.”

Much like being an NFL player, Washington has built a family with those she works closest with as she dedicates long hours to the Bears’ scouting department.

“You’re going to put in a lot of hours and you’re going to see the people in this building or in your department more than you see your own family,” Washington said.

Within the field, Washington works with a multitude of departments across the Bears where she continues to utilize her seeded roots to become well-acquainted with her colleagues and build lasting relationships within the scouting industry.

“I have to be a really good people person because I’m connecting with so many different departments in our facility on a daily basis,” Washington said. “Being a big picture anticipator is what I strive to be. I liked to add value before asked.”