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Ashley Dafel

Professional Summary



Professional Overview


Ashley Dafel is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the education and technology sectors. As the Chief Executive Officer of both Yorkville University and Toronto Film School, she brings a strategic, results-driven approach to leading these prominent educational institutions.

Current Roles


Chief Executive Officer, Yorkville University (2023-02-01 to Present)
  • Responsible for the overall strategic direction and operational management of the university

  • Driving innovation and transformation to enhance the student experience and academic outcomes

  • Collaborating with stakeholders to align the university's offerings with evolving market demands


Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Film School (2023-02-01 to Present)
  • Providing visionary leadership to position the film school as a leading provider of practical, industry-focused education

  • Implementing initiatives to foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and career readiness among students

  • Cultivating partnerships with industry leaders to ensure the curriculum remains relevant and practical


Career Progression


Prior to her current roles, Ashley held several leadership positions, including:
  • Chief Operations Officer at Yorkville University (2021-10-01 to 2023-01-01)

  • Chief Financial Officer at Yorkville University (2020-08-01 to 2021-10-01)

  • President at Life Quality Corp (2020-01-01 to 2020-09-01)

  • President and CEO at Creation Technologies (2018-03-01 to 2019-12-01)

  • Chief Financial Officer at Creation Technologies (2015-01-01 to 2018-03-01)


Throughout her career, Ashley has demonstrated a strong ability to drive operational excellence, financial optimization, and strategic transformations within various organizations. Her diverse background in the education, technology, and financial sectors has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the industries she serves.

Academic Background


Ashley holds a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Toronto, where she specialized in Finance and Strategy. Her academic achievements, coupled with her extensive professional experience, have positioned her as a respected leader in the education and technology sectors.

Areas of Expertise


  • Organizational Transformation and Innovation

  • Educational Program Development and Delivery

  • Financial Management and Strategic Planning

  • Operational Optimization and Process Improvement

  • Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building

  • Talent Management and Leadership Development


Professional Impact


Under Ashley's leadership, the organizations she has served have achieved notable successes, including:
  • Oversaw the successful implementation of a comprehensive financial restructuring and operational optimization initiative at Creation Technologies, resulting in a 25% improvement in profitability.

  • Spearheaded the development and launch of several new academic programs at Yorkville University, aligning the university's offerings with evolving industry demands and contributing to a 15% increase in student enrollment.

  • Fostered strong partnerships with industry leaders, enabling the Toronto Film School to enhance its curriculum and provide students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities.


Conclusion


With her proven track record of transformational leadership, Ashley Dafel is poised to continue driving the growth and success of Yorkville University and Toronto Film School. Her strategic vision, operational expertise, and commitment to educational excellence position her as a valuable asset to the organizations and communities she serves.