An award-winning fiction writer and editorial consultant, Ashleigh lives and works in Surrey, BC, on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples. (she/her)
CV
While my experience across a range of independent arts and community services results in a breadth of knowledge and skills, across all of these, I’ve found my greatest joy in mentoring and supporting others across various projects to coach them in the development of their projects and careers.
I’ve used my skills in film, with its focus on structure and collaboration, to hone my abilities as a substantive editor, and can offer an objective perspective to a manuscript that respects an author’s unique voice and artistic intent.
Selected Experience
Fundementors Pilot Project
(2020-2022)
Volunteer Mentor
Provided advice and mentorship through an online platform for youth with government care experience to access support, guidance and advice, and develop informal social networks. This pilot project was coordinated by the Surrey Poverty Reduction Coalition.
Community Leaders Igniting Change
(2018-2019)
Project Assistant
Supported the Surrey Poverty Reduction Coalition in creating and editing communications content for program promotion across webpage and social media.
Surrey Local Immigration Partnership
(2016-2018)
Project Assistant
Supported a table of multiple stakeholders in creating, editing, and designing content for strategies, reports, brochures, promotional materials, website content and social media, with a focus on community engagement.
Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee
(2016-2018)
Project Assistant
Supported a table of multiple Indigenous stakeholders in creating and editing communications content for the project across the web and internal communications.
Celluloid Heroes
(2009-2015)
Film Criticism Blog
Hosted and wrote for a blog providing film criticism and commentary, including reviews of new films, essays, and lists. Article “Top Ten Antiheroes” was featured on IMDB front page.
Black Budgie Zine Distro
(2009-2013)
Distributor
Created and administrated an online “zine” and chapbook “distro,” overseeing sales, trades and procurement of independently produced magazines and chapbooks from across the world. Featured via an interview in “Broken Pencil Magazine.”
Game of Thrones Irreverent Recaps
(2011-2012)
Reviewer
Provided off-colour reviews of HBO’s Game of Thrones for Seasons 1 and 2. (Readership was small, but quite dedicated.)
Quarter-Life Productions Inc.
(2005-2010)
Artistic Director
Developed and maintained the artistic vision and team cohesion for an independent film production company, with various duties including project management, communications and media, management of personnel, and event coordination. Connected to artists and media from across Metro Vancouver to host screenings such as “Filmtoberfest” (2010) to support local, independent films.
Press Plus 1
(2009-2011)
Contributing Journalist
Covered local theatre productions, film reviews, concert coverage.
A’n’E Vibe
(2009)
Contributing Journalist
Provided local theatre, film, and concert reviews.
Hacksaw Literary Arts Magazine
(2008-2009)
Editor
Controlled content and submissions from worldwide contributors for an independent arts magazine, wrote and edited copy and content, designed and laid out finished magazine, and oversaw production.
Awards
- Quarter Castle Publishing’s Short Story Contest, “1St Place,” 2015
- Sad Magazine’s Fantasy Fiction Contest, “Winner,” 2013
Education
Film Arts | Langara College
(2010)
Directing Stream. Courses include Production, Visualization, Collaboration, Advanced Directing.
Writing & Publishing | Simon Fraser University
(2006-2011)
Continuing Studies Program. Courses include Copyediting, Proof-reading, InDesign, Print-on-Demand.
Bachelor of Arts | Simon Fraser University
(2001-2007)
Double Major in English & Archaeology. Certificate of Liberal Arts with additional courses include Accounting, Marketing, Sociology & Anthropology, Communications, Humanities, History, Women’s Studies.
Ashleigh Rajala 