As Chief Operations Officer (COO) and co-owner of AdvancedAg Inc., Ashley plays a vital role
in the future growth, success, and operations of the company. She takes pride in being a
successful entrepreneur and is passionate about sharing her experiences and expertise to help
others reach their true potential. Leading with intention has enabled Ashley to focus her efforts
on maintaining a healthy work environment and ensuring company operations run smoothly.
To fuel her passion for community, business, culture, and athletics, Ashley is an active member
of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, co-chair for the Champion
Committee and a proud member of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee for the Town of
Raymond. As the appointed Project Manager for the Blackfoot Confederacy Entrepreneur
Business Network, Ashley has built a foundation for Blackfoot entrepreneurs and businesses to
succeed. Due to her dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship, Ashley was chosen as a
finalist in the 2022 Alberta Women Entrepreneur (AWE) Awards for the Emerging Entrepreneur
category, won the 2023 Young Business Professional Award at the Lethbridge Chamber of
Commerce Business of the Year Awards and recently received the 2024 Entrepreneur of the
Year award through CETAC West.
Although business ownership occupies much of her time, Ashley prioritizes her role as a
mother above all others and enjoys spending quality time with her family. When she is not
camping or traveling with her husband and two kids, she enjoys staying active in the volleyball
community. Her love for the sport eventually led her to a coaching role for both club and high
school level volleyball for several years. She also volunteers her time to the Town of Raymond
Volleyball Committee, to help develop programs and create opportunities for rural athletes.
As a First Nations' entrepreneur and mother, Ashley champions positive change and strives to
leave a lasting legacy by empowering her children and Blackfoot people as an influential role
model. After earning a Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree from the University of
Lethbridge, Ashley was hired by the Lethbridge School District No. 51 as a First Nations, Metis,
and Inuit Liaison. This role enabled her to work closely with teachers and First Nations youth to
educate and help preserve First Nations culture, as well as aid families and children in need to
access community support.
While earning her degree and throughout her career as a First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Liaison,
Ashley remained heavily involved in the growth and development of Advanced Water
Technologies. This responsibility led to the establishment of operative processes within the
business, and helped to create what is now known as AdvancedAg. Her ability to navigate the
entrepreneurial world and maintain a healthy work/life balance, was influenced by both her
mother, Dr. Phyllis Day Chief and her sister, Dr. Kirsten Fantazir. Ashley strives to inspire her
son, daughter and fellow entrepreneurs in that very same way.