Ashley Otah

Strategist

Los Angeles, California, United StatesMid-Level0-5 years

Open to New Opportunities

About

What’s heavier, 380 pounds of feathers, or 380 pounds of weights?   I can’t tell you about the former, but I can tell you about the latter.   At 18 years old, I found myself deadlifting 380 pounds in front of an arena of people. Like most, I did not think that was humanly possible, but I am here to confirm that it was--and is. In life, there are many obstacles. Some heavier than others. Thanks to my hunger for knowledge and eagerness to try new things, I could do multiple backflips down an endzone and run over 10 hurdles in 15 seconds. Lifting weights, however, was out of the question. So, when I got recruited for the Varsity powerlifting team and found myself as a state alternate that could barely lift 300 pounds, I knew there was room to grow and I was ready to do so.   During the off-season, I developed a multi-sport training routine that complemented and maintained my 3-sport schedule. I also crafted team bonding events that cemented methods and mantras that not only spoke to myself but my teammates as well.   For the grand finale of senior year, I picked up 385 pounds (as one does) to take my team to state. At state, I proceeded to pick up 420 pounds and passed out in front of that said arena of people. My ability to laugh at myself, let things roll off my shoulders, (and roll out of my hands) has not failed me since. To this day, this accomplishment is my “party trick”, the reason I am a 2-truths-and-lie champion, but most importantly, it’s a reminder that I am resourceful, resilient, and ready to push the envelope while always championing those around me.

Brands

Xbox

Levi's

Sephora

DirecTV

Microsoft

MasterCard