50 Remarkable Alumni: Kelly Chahal continues to grow herself, and help others grow

Three-term city Councillor Kelly Chahal has a storied career in Abbotsford.

In addition to her decades as a probation officer, she chairs the city’s public safety committee, participates in the Purple Lights Campaign — part of the violence against women in relationships committee (VAWIR) — and she is part of the Empower Goddess group which serves to promote mental health and wellness for South Asian women. Recently, she was appointed Federal senior independent chair for the province of BC and assists in the training of new federal institutional judges. Through it all, she balances this with academic work pursuing a doctoral degree.

Kelly is passionate about bringing new voices to the table, working tirelessly to inspire others to continue their education or seek leadership roles. She has taken on three mentees, young women who are pursuing graduate studies. “It’s about legacy and renewal, sharing things, inspiring, motivating, and mentoring.” says Kelly.

Early in Kelly’s career, she had to learn how to make space for herself.

She was once invited by UCFV community relations director Bob Warick to attend the university college’s board of governors meeting in Chilliwack. Just 22 at the time, she was still finding her footing. Excited by the opportunity, she arrived early.

“There was a woman there and she asked if I was there to clean up after the meeting,” says Kelly. “That was my cue to run off, get out of there.”

However, before she could leave, Bob Warick spotted her and stopped her. “I told him perhaps I did not belong there,” says Kelly. “He then told me that it was essential that I stay in the room, both literally and symbolically.”

And she did. And she continues to do so, across the many organizations of which she’s been a part. Kelly has made a point at remaining at the table, even when it seemed she was not valued. She has advocated for others when to do so was unpopular.

Now she is training a new generation to do the same. Not only to show up, but to engage, and to learn.

“I say, just get to the table. Don’t let people pigeonhole you and exclude you, and don’t exclude yourself. Show up. You can always learn something new. It is an opportunity to take the good from any experience and decide later what you wish to take away.”

“At times, you just need that one person to say: ‘of course you can do it.’”

For Kelly that started with people at UCFV such as Bob Warick and criminal justice legend Dr. Darryl Plecas, other instructors, and community leaders like the Honourable Steven Point, who changed her perspective on working with Indigenous communities.

For students heading into university today, or who are seeking their own niche in life, she offers some advice.

“Whether you want to mentor people or volunteer or help in other ways, don’t put yourself down, but inspire yourself and don’t stop growing within you”.

More than 50,000 people have graduated from UFV since 1974. Over the next year, we’ll be introducing you to 50 remarkable alumni.