Ashley Martin ‘01 Assists U.S. Ambassador to Canada

Ashley Martin `01 and the Honorable David H. Wilkins, United States Ambassador to Canada.

Ashley Martin ’01 counts as one of the few members of her class to have had a one-on-one conversation with President George W. Bush.

Over the past few years, the Irmo, S.C., native has witnessed the national and international political arena firsthand as executive assistant to the Honorable David H. Wilkins, United States Ambassador to Canada. Martin’s daily responsibilities include managing Ambassador Wilkins’ schedule, handling correspondence, coordinating official visits and organizing events at the Ambassador’s home.

In her position, she has met a variety of people, including Secretary of State Condolezza Rice, former President Bill Clinton, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and many high-ranking Canadian and international officials. She believes the most fascinating person she has met is Bush.

“When the President arrived, I was fortunate enough to spend a few minutes talking with him. He was very down-to-earth and engaged in his conversation with me,” said Martin, who resides in Ottawa, Canada.

Martin has been working with Ambassador Wilkins for more than four years, initially as his executive assistant when he was South Carolina’s Speaker of the House. Her work experience also includes interning for the late Sen. Strom Thurmond and working as a project assistant for Nelson, Mullins, Riley and Scarborough in Columbia, S.C.

Martin realized her love of international relations while studying political science at Winthrop.

“One of my favorite classes was Model United Nations. Representing a country and their beliefs allows you to gain valuable information on international relations and worldwide perspectives,” said Martin, who attributes some of her success to her former professor and advisor, Chris Van Aller.

Given a three-year political appointment, Martin holds official diplomatic status from the Department of State. Once voters elect a new president later this year and new ambassadors are appointed, she will return to South Carolina.

“Working and living outside of America gives you this great sense of patriotism that is often taken for granted in the states. This has been one of the most humbling and inspiring experiences in my life, and I am truly grateful that I was given this opportunity,” said Martin.