Travels From Western Australia
Ashara Wills
Multicultural Advocate, Educator and AFLW Trailblazer.
Ashara, a multicultural professional, has navigated the complexities of being queer from a young age, experiencing the challenges and triumphs along the way. She has built a solid foundation of support through her family, friends, and networks, immersing herself in the community services sector.
Ashara consistently advocates for the LGBTIQA+ community, actively engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing knowledge, consulting with the community, and consistently embracing differences.
Her passion lies in developing compelling educational training programs and working in environments that foster holistic, healthy, and substantial changes. She is all about presenting information in an engaging, fun way, which invites listeners to think deeper about LGBTIQA+ communities and how they can go beyond being ‘box ticking’ allies in any environment.
Ashara has also reshaped the landscape of Australian Rules Football (AFL). As a driving force behind the West Coast Eagles' establishment of an AFLW team, she earned the distinction of becoming the first registered Female Coach for the club, leaving an indelible mark on the AFL community and shattering barriers within traditionally male-dominated sanctums.
Her journey into the heart of AFL as an Alex Jesaulenko Coaching Intern is a testament to Ashara's resilience and unwavering passion for the game. Fearlessly breaking through gender norms, she embraced the challenge of coaching at the highest level, paving the way for future generations of women in the sport.
Beyond the sidelines, Ashara's impact resonates through her strategic insights and innovative coaching methods, making her a driving force behind numerous football clubs in their pursuit of excellence. Her presence in the coaching realm symbolizes a new era, where merit and skill transcend unconscious boundaries.
Off the field, Ashara stands as a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion across all arenas, including sports. Her commitment to leveling the playing field has sparked crucial conversations and catalysed change within the AFL community. As a mentor and inspiration, she empowers aspiring coaches and AFL players, irrespective of identity, to dream big and challenge the status quo. Ashara Wills embodies not just a coach but a transformative force shaping the future of AFL and beyond.