After moving to BC where she now resides in Surrey’s Panorama Village neighbourhood, Ashiyana dedicated herself to understanding the city in which she would raise her family of 3 now-grown children. She learned to communicate broadly by becoming fluent in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and English. This dedication to language and cultural understanding gives her a unique insight into Surrey’s diversity through personal experience, not just as a distant talking point.

Since 1992, Ashiyana has become a leader in local media coverage by elevating ethnic representation across Surrey. As the founder of Media Waves Live, she has worked tirelessly to connect residents with crucial information and issues including public safety, small business protection and transparent governance at City Hall. Ashiyana never hesitates to ask difficult questions in support of families, seniors and entrepreneurs — bridging communities while fostering dialogue and unity.

With Surrey’s rapid growth, issues and opportunities around infrastructure, safety and security, and ongoing fiscal responsibility must align with progress. As part of the Imagine Surrey team led by mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk, Ashiyana knows that her vision aligns with the type of city Mike wants Surrey to become. This includes lower home costs and city fees, enhanced public safety through community policing, reduced traffic congestion, and continuing support for first responders like our Surrey Firefighters, within whose ranks Mike enjoyed a 30-year career.

Ashiyana can provide experienced oversight on spending transparency, with aims to strengthen local businesses and investment for greater job creation in Surrey. Development and infrastructure planning are also key priorities, and building unity across all communities to ensure a cohesive environment where complete neighbourhoods can grow and thrive.

Ashiyana has come to understood both her community and city very well. By entering politics, she recognizes the need for real change and new, innovative thinking. Ashiyana is not entering municipal politics for recognition or as a stepping stone to higher, more distant office. She is running because she believes the City of Surrey deserves experienced and community-focused leadership, especially at a time when we are dealing with many significant issues.

While Ashiyana has already used her ‘voice’ to inform and represent Surrey residents for over three decades, she’s is now ready to serve and bring that strong voice to City Hall.