Communications advisor,
writer,
editor,
photographer.
Ashley Materi, communications specialist
Samples of my writing experience
outside of the military.
Why D.A.R.E. Didn't Work
This is a condensed version of an in-depth exploration into drug use and education in Calgary and Canada, published in the 2016 May/June Calgary Journal print edition.
Note: The photos in the story were incorretly attributed to Melanie Welsh. All photos icluded in this story are taken by me.
Justin Trudeau Offers Encouragement to Struggling Alberta Energy Sector
Justin Trudeau's first visit to Calgary after he was elected as Prime Minister on February 4, 2016 included Premiere Rachel Notley and members of his Liberal cabinet.
Charcuterie Feature Story
This feature story features Orso Trattoria in the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Grapes Wine Bar in the Fairmont Banff Springs, and Table Food + Drink in Canmore, three restaurants highlighting choice meats, breads, cheese and preserves. Charcuterie boards offer highly customized dining experiences, and are fun to share with the group.This article was published in the winter 2015/2016 edition of Where Canadian Rockies Magazine. Layout, copy and photography by me.
Calgary's Premier Piercing Studio
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Explore a day in the life of one of Calgary's most experienced body piercers.
Conservatives Hang On
This is a story I collaborated on with fellow journalists on, and was published by the Calgary Journal. Joan Crockatt wins the Calgary byelection in 2012.
Beards and Banjos
I wrote this article for Branded Magazine. The Calgary Folk Fest has been around for decades, and the organizers are working hard to show Calgarians that the festival is far different than what many would expect when they hear "folk." The article explores what preconceived notions people have, and how the CFF demonstrates that they aren't your daddy's festival.
Worth the Buzz
This is a profile on Nick Ossais, a Calgary barber who realized that the university path he was on wasn't for him, and who now owns his own successful barbershop in the trendy Marda Loop neighbourhood. He specializes in creating unique hair designs on his clients.
Top Mountain Looks Feature Story
For this story, I organized a photo shoot with a Canmore photographer, hired the models, and sourced every item featured in the spread from over ten stores in Canmore, Banff and Jasper. This article was published in the winter 2015/2016 edition of Where Canadian Rockies Magazine. Layout by Lyuba Kirkova.
Clint Pike Profile
Clint Pike is the owner of Vern's Tavern, Calgary's favourite dive bar and the heart of the city's underground music scene. I wrote this in-depth profile piece on him because he has seen the city and its live entertainment scene transform over the decades, and he is well-known amongst local bands for providing them the opportunity to get exposure and gain followers that other venues may not.
Hot Tips
These mini stories are found throughout the 2015/2016 edition of Where Canadian Rockies Magazine, providing readers with quick tips for shopping, restaurants, and activities found across the Bow Valley and Jasper.
How to Eat Alone
I'm a big fan of doing a huge variety of activities alone, and dining is a big one. While many people have anxiety about being alone while doing something that is generally thought of as a social activity, in this article I list tips on how to overcome your fears and take part in one of life's simple pleasures, simply enjoying good food in solitude.
Canmore Dining Guide Blogs
My internship in Canmore with RMV Publications afforded me the opportunity to write a few blog posts about the restaurants I visited and my experiences in my month working for them.
Where Canadian Rockies Post
I wrote a post for the Where Canadian Rockies website discussing the Canmore Mountain Market, a weekly event in the summer that takes place in downtown Canmore.