Why Ashley Blanchard Believes in the Power of Women United

For Ashley Blanchard, supporting women and girls starts with believing in their potential. As a financial services leader, mentor and Women United volunteer, Ashley is passionate about creating opportunities for others to grow, build confidence and reach their goals. 

Ashley is a Branch Manager with TD and brings a people-first approach to leadership, with a focus on developing talent, building strong relationships and bringing people together around a shared purpose. Outside of work, she is involved with Women United, the NAIT Alumni Committee and the JR Shaw School of Business, where she supports students, mentors emerging talent and helps create opportunities for others. 

When she’s not volunteering or working, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, their two kids, James and Addison, and their French bulldog, Gus. And if she’s not with her family, you’ll likely find her on the soccer field.

What first inspired you to join Women United, and what does being part of this community mean to you? 

I chose to volunteer with Women United because I believe in the power of women supporting women. Throughout my career and my own experiences, I’ve seen how meaningful it can be when someone takes the time to encourage you, open a door, share their knowledge, or simply remind you that you are capable of more. For me, volunteering with Women United is an opportunity to take that belief beyond my own circle and contribute to something bigger. 

What specific issues or barriers facing women and girls are you most passionate about addressing? 

I want to use my time, skills, and relationships to help create opportunities for women and girls who may be facing barriers that make it harder to move forward. I’m especially passionate about empowerment, financial security, building confidence, and creating pathways for women to build stronger futures. 

Who is a woman, past or present, who inspires you and why? 

Determination, perseverance, and resilience. These three words describe my mentor and inspiration: my mom. Her journey from being a 20-year-old with a baby, taking her daughter to night classes so she could continue her education while working to support her family, to where she is today as the CFO of a major law firm, inspires me. Whenever I face a barrier in my life, I think about what she overcame and the time and determination she put in. It reminds me that I can do the same.

If you could grant one resource or opportunity to every woman or girl, what would it be and why? 

If I could grant one resource or opportunity for women and girls, that would be access to a mentor — or someone who believes in them, sees their potential, and helps them see possibilities they may not see in themselves. 

What’s one book, movie, or podcast that you feel every woman should check out? 

A book I highly recommend is The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. The core of this book is around not letting other people’s choices, opinions, reactions, or behaviours control your own choices, emotions, and responses. It helps you create healthy boundaries, better relationships, and greater emotional control.