Ashley Martel Lepine
Height: 5’4
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
Languages: English
Occupation: Account Manager
Born in the city of Winnipeg, raised in southeastern Manitoba, Ashley is a 21 year old Metis-Cree woman who is deeply passionate about spreading awareness concerning the rights and freedoms of indigenous people.
Despite her hardships with anxiety and an autoimmune disease causing her to lose all her hair in 2018, Ashley has regained her confidence and is determined to encourage women that even if you feel out of place you can still chase after your dreams. Ashley has goals and aspirations about making a difference in her community especially amongst young girls.
She takes pride in her heritage and has many hobbies, above all she takes part in traditions like drum circles, beading, and dance ceremonies to reconnect.
Throughout her journey, Ashley hopes to not only make history, but continue to learn more about herself and make her dreams come true.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I love to fill my spare time with things that feed my soul and make me happiest. Spending time with my aunt Joanne, and sleepovers at grandmas house, or long walks and Starbucks trips with my puppy. Alongside all my other hobbies like journaling, meditation, and listening to mindset podcasts, overall my favourite is travelling and experiencing diverse communities and cultures!
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
For the past 6 months I have been training with Gfit Wellness based in Winnipeg. I really enjoy the constant self development thanks to my amazing fitness coach Chantelle Harvey.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
Swimming, peewee football, baseball, ballet, soccer, varsity basketball, the list goes on! My mom signed me up for every sport possible growing up. Which explains my love for staying active now that I’m an adult. I enjoy Zumba, hot yoga, and going to the gym every day.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
One of the most impactful women to me is Angel Bhathal. She competed and placed a top quarter finalist back in 2013 and has over 20 years of pageant experience as a competitor, judge, and coach. Angel is from Winnipeg like myself and understands the struggles I face, she has mentored and inspired me throughout my journey to persevere and have fun while doing it!
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
In the beginning of 2018 I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Because it was a severe case, it caused me to lose all my hair, drop to 90 pounds, and almost end my life.
My biggest accomplishment is overcoming the insecurities that experience gave me. I learned to embrace my new look and let my personality be the beauty instead of my appearance.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
One of the most unique things about me is I taught myself how to salsa dance!
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My career ambition is to have a successful start to my Indigenous women’s support group, (Thunderbird Woman’s Group) in the upcoming year. I grew up in a school environment where there were little to no resources for aboriginal women nor was there anyone like myself to confide in when facing educational inequality and discrimination among other classmates. I hope to create safe spaces in Winnipeg schools, and eventually Canada wide, for indigenous women to speak freely, learn about cultural teachings, forging a future without violence, and introducing possibilities of further education.
What I’m doing to accomplish this goal is to have a thorough plan, and continue to work within my community to build a strong set of skills to use when leading my program.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My dream job would help me make a positive impact on indigenous communities and young women, it would look like helping to support and provide resources for core issues and generational trauma. It would allow me to travel and connect with people around the world.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I come from humble beginnings. I am an only child, raised in a small town called Marchand by a single mother who worked multiple jobs to make sure I had everything my heart longed for. Because my mom was always at work, I was very independent at a young age and had a lot of my own responsibility. My mother taught me the importance of hard work and gratitude for all the things we were blessed to have.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
One of my favourite jobs I’ve had is car sales. This position taught me a lot especially strong communication skills.
List any volunteering you have done.
I work with Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, they focus on providing support programs and resources to help strengthen indigenous children, families, and community. I also worked for Siloam Mission which is a Christian humanitarian organization to help individuals in need.
What is your most unusual talent?
I can learn a song on the piano by simply just listening to the notes and repeating them!
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
The most interesting and beautiful place I’ve been to is Saona Island located in the Dominican Republic. The beach “Canto de la Playa” is a favourite beach of Hollywood to film scenes including the Pirates Of The Caribbean!
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In 10 years I hope to have a great start to my career, be in a position to mentor others and create a nonprofit organization to help make a positive impact in my community. I wish to have seen the world, perhaps while working, and create lifelong friendships along the way.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
This experience has taught me so much about myself, and the importance of courage and confidence within. You can’t plant the seed and eat the fruit in the same day, and once I started to see it from a different perspective, I realized how far I’ve really come throughout my journey. The seed I planted in pageantry has flourished and continues to grow every day. My determination and resilience will continue to power through every obstacle, and help to achieve my dreams.