Ashley MacDonald
Meet Ashley
Hi, I’m Ashley—and if employment challenges were a video game, I’d be the one unlocking secret levels and helping others beat the boss battle. With over a decade of experience guiding job seekers through the twists and turns of workforce re-entry, I specialize in empowering people, leading high-impact programs, and building community connections that last longer than your average office coffee.
About Me
I've been a program manager extraordinaire with the kind of experience that makes LinkedIn blush. I've spent years guiding folks through the winding obstacle course that is workforce re-entry—all while maintaining community needs, stakeholder relationships, and probably a coffee in each hand.
Workshop facilitation? Check.
Coaching? Check.
Advocating for clients? Triple check.
Basically, if employment barriers were a video game, I've beaten the final boss and saved the princess.
Armed with a Swiss Army knife of skills—leadership, policy interpretation, computer wizardry, and the kind of communication chops that could talk a fax machine into modern relevance—Ashley brings over a decade of experience working with vulnerable populations. My knowledge of local social services and ability to read labor market trends like tarot cards make me the community’s go-to employment oracle.
I'm especially proud of my work as the employment centre manager at Our Place Society. Ashley ran the show at an employment center dedicated to supporting folks facing some serious employment dragons. I started as a part-time Job Coach and leveled up to Manager quickly. I led a team of three staff and 12 volunteers, built solid relationships with employers (and probably their dogs), and pushed for inclusive, accessible programs like I was on a mission.
I created two programs with names that I hoped would inspire: People in Progress and Women in Progress. Because it doesn't matter where we are in life - we are always in progress. These initiatives tackled barriers with precision and heart, giving people a pathway to stability.
Meet Ashley
Before rising through the employment world like a phoenix in professional slacks, Ashley had an impressive run as an Employment Coach and Associate News Editor.
Yes, she can both fix your resume and your dangling participles.
With diplomas in both Journalism and Art History (because why not?), she’s the perfect blend of strategy, creativity, and “I can Google that faster than you can say transferable skills.”
Certified in Mental Health First Aid, Non-Violent Crisis Communication, and Employment Counseling, Ashley is prepared for just about anything—including impromptu public speaking and awkward networking events. Oh, and did we mention she’s fluent in French? Basically, she can advocate for you in two languages while coordinating a stakeholder meeting and dodging flying budget cuts.
In short: Ashley MacDonald is the kind of person you want on your team, in your community, and possibly leading your next staff retreat. Just don’t challenge her to a game of who-can-write-a-better-strategic-plan—she will win.
What I Do (a.k.a. My Superpowers)
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Program Management
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Workforce Development
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Community Building
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Policy Navigation & Advocacy
🎯 Why I Do It
Employment isn't just about a paycheck—it's about stability, identity, and belonging. I’m here for the underdogs, the overlooked, and the overqualified-but-underappreciated. Whether you’re a job seeker facing tough odds or an organization looking to make real impact, I bring empathy, strategy, and a whole lot of caffeine to the table.