ASCLS is excited to introduce the ASCLS Voices Under 40, a monthly recognition of one of our many, talented and committed young professionals under 40 years old. The ASCLS Voices Spotlight has been developed to honor ASCLS members who have shown exceptional commitment to ASCLS, the laboratory profession, and their community at large at a young age in their professional career. This month we spotlight one of the 2017 ASCLS Shining Voices who was selected from nominations across the country.

Please meetHillary (“Ally”) Storla from Marietta, Georgia!

Allyis employed by WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. Ally has worked to advance the laboratory profession through multiple professional presentations delivered at state and national Annual Meetings. She has authored articles for ASCLS Today and the ASCLS New Professionals New Members Forum The Culture. Additionally, Ally volunteers in her community for the Atlanta Science Festival and Faith Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School.

Ally serves ASCLS in many capacities. She was elected to serve as Board Member for Region III and ASCLS-Georgia. Ally has been appointed to numerous ASCLS positions and committees at the national or regional level, including: Political Action Committee New Professional Representative, Lab Week Run Committee Chair, Scientific Assembly Generalist Chair, Region III New Professionals New Members Forum Communication Coordinator, and Region III Triennial Meeting Steering Committee Member. At the state level, Ally is highly involved in ASCLS-GA as a Social Media Committee Chair, Government Affairs Committee Chair, Awards committee Chair, Annual Meeting Steering Committee Member, and New Professionals New Members Representative in 2015-2016. She is a national Leadership Academy graduate and has participated in the Mentorship Program as a Mentee. She also has attended multiple Legislative Symposiums and been active in contacting legislators regarding laboratory issues.

In strong recommendation of her selection for the ASCLS Voices Under 40 recognition, one of Ally’s nominators stated:

“Ally is a true advocate for the profession and I believe deserving of this honor. Her dedication and passion for the profession does not go unnoticed in the workplace. She desires to learn and grow as an individual which gives her the opportunity to bring awareness to her co-workers about events occurring outside the four walls of the workplace. She aspires to do more within the profession to meet the changing culture of healthcare.”

When asked what her motivation for being involved in ASCLS is, Ally replied:

“My motivation for being actively involved in ASCLS comes from my love of the Medical Laboratory profession and my desire to make a positive impact. This profession has been incredibly rewarding for me personally as I really struggled finding a direction for a career while completing my B. S. in Biology. When I found Medical Laboratory Science as a profession there was no question, I was so excited; I found the career I wanted to be a part of. The profession is far from perfect as many people don’t know about it, the average age of many professionals is quickly approaching retirement, and there are many shortages across the nation. However, despite there being so much to do I have found ASCLS is the best organization with the skills, resources, and professionals for tackling what needs to be done and I hope to be helpful going forward as this profession overcomes obstacles and reaches our goals.”

Congratulations Ally on your selection as an ASCLS Voice Under 40! You are a shining voice for ASCLS and for the Medical Laboratory profession.