While University of the Fraser Valley’s (UFV) students were left stranded by a 124-day transit strike, Bachelor of Arts student Ashley McDougall refused to stay on the sidelines. As President of the UFV Student Union Society (SUS), she became the voice of thousands, negotiating directly with the BC Minister of Labour and speaking to provincial media until buses were rolling again.

Ashley’s response in that moment of crisis is the perfect example of why she was chosen to receive the University of the Fraser Valley’s 2025 Outstanding Student Leader Award: she consistently transforms advocacy into action. During her term as SUS Vice-President External, she successfully advocated for UFV’s first Fall Reading Break—an initiative designed to give students vital academic and mental-health relief.

“In that dark, midterm season, a reprieve can make a real difference for mental health,” says Ashley. “I was proud to present to Senate and see them vote to implement it—it’s a testament to how UFV listens to student voices.”

She also helped advance revisions to UFV’s sexualized violence policy, ensuring a survivor-centred, trauma-informed approach to campus safety. Her advocacy reached the federal level through the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA), where she served on the Federal Policy Committee and helped shape national policies on mental health and campus sexualized violence, contributing to the federal government’s $500-million commitment to post-secondary mental-health funding.

While championing student concerns, Ashley maintained Dean’s List standing in her Bachelor of Arts program, majoring in economics with a minor in political science. She earned an associate certificate in advanced French proficiency and gained research experience as a UFV research assistant, synthesizing and analyzing Canadian census data to support upper-level econometrics courses.

Her commitment to learning and service is also global. In January 2024 she represented UFV and Canada as a delegate to the United Nations Humanitarian Affairs Global Peace Summit in Bangkok, collaborating with student leaders worldwide on conflict resolution and equity-driven policy solutions.

“It’s about empowering others, and I hope to keep championing students and encouraging them to get involved in leadership too.”

Ashley’s influence is rooted in creating opportunities for others. She revived and led the UFV Economics Student Association, strengthening academic connections and mentoring emerging leaders. She also launched SUS’s first large-scale event at UFV’s Chilliwack campus—Backyard Bash—fostering inclusivity and community engagement. Currently, she serves on UFV’s Board of Governors and as a board member of the Mountain Valley Express Society, where she advocates for accessible regional rail service to better connect the Fraser Valley.

Her exceptional qualities have also earned Ashley professional recognition beyond campus. She recently began working as a constituency assistant at her local Member of the Legislative Assembly’s office, helping her community’s residents navigate government programs and access vital resources. “Leadership and advocacy are really about the people around you,” Ashley notes. “It’s about empowering others, and I hope to keep championing students and encouraging them to get involved in leadership too.”

From negotiating with government ministers to welcoming students at campus events, Ashley has proven that student leadership can create lasting change. Her ability to balance academic excellence with national advocacy and local community building sets a new standard for what it means to lead at UFV—and beyond.

WATCH: Learn about the other 2025 Alumni Award recipients.