The Impact of Leadership: Lisa Ashworth

Assistant Warden Lisa Ashworth has been inspired by many leaders at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice throughout her 27-year career. The insights she’s gained from these mentors have made a lasting impression on her career and provided guidance in her current leadership role at the Holliday Unit.

“There has been, in every single step, in every year of my career, someone that has mentored me,” Ashworth said. “I’ve been blessed to have been mentored by some of the best leadership this agency has to offer. I think that molded me into who I am as a leader.”

Ashworth began her career in 1997 at the Estelle Unit, continuing her family’s tradition of working for TDCJ. She wanted to have a career that was both meaningful and honorable. To her, the uniform is more than just a uniform; it’s a symbol of service.

“I am one of those types of people that tend to flock to those in need,” Ashworth said. “Whether it’s spiritually, mentally, or physically, this job gives me the opportunity to do all those things. Can it become overwhelming? Yes, but it is gratifying to serve.”

Prior to her current position, Ashworth was a major at the Ellis Unit, where she made a lasting impression on her staff and the incarcerated population. To her, it’s simple. Showing genuine care and concern for the well-being of others is the key to rehabilitating inmates and providing guidance to staff.

For example, when she noticed some inmates at graduation didn’t have family members in attendance, she worked with unit administration to bring in volunteers to celebrate the inmate’s accomplishments.

As assistant warden at one of four intake facilities within TDCJ, Ashworth said the impact of the first few days on new inmates is vital to their rehabilitation journey. Her plan to encourage individuals begins with developing new programs and putting positive individuals in place to help them transition into the system.

“The weight of coming through those back gates can be heavy and very burdensome, so I want to develop programs for those individuals because I believe rehabilitation begins at the back gate,” Ashworth said. “I want to build a culture that when they do come here, they are met with a program or an individual that is positive and encouraging.”

The culture of a unit impacts both the staff and the incarcerated population; Ashworth wants her unit to be a place where staff are excited to help inmates reach their potential.

“When an inmate changes his mind for the better, it helps staff understand the mission even more,” Ashworth said.

To further enhance the environment for her staff, Ashworth has begun new traditions to help boost the morale, such as, Feel Good Friday, which includes coffee, music, and breakfast or snacks for all shifts. It’s through these acts of appreciation that she is able to show her support and gratitude to her staff, who sacrifice so much to help keep the community safe.

“Warden Ashworth arrived at the Holliday Unit with a lot of new ideas to boost morale. Change is not always welcomed at first, but Warden Ashworth was not discouraged and continues to work towards the goals she has for the Holliday Unit with a great attitude and a smile,” Sergeant Angela Wasson said.

Ashworth is a true representation of service, proving that leadership has the power to impact everyone around them.