BY J.M. LEE
Fifteen years ago, 16-year-old Alex Mitchell stood at the podium during the COP 15 United Nations Climate Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. She advocated for a sustainable future and a post-Kyoto climate agreement. At such a young age, she recognized the necessity for decision-makers to balance the urgency of climate action, Canada’s role on the global stage, and the potential for Canadian natural resources and innovative technologies to assist other countries in reducing their emissions.
“It was a defining experience for me to represent my country on the international stage, but I was struck by the barriers our elected leaders faced in implementing solutions to collective challenges—a real learning experience to see negotiations break down,” says Mitchell.
That experience shaped her, and the lesson of discovering ways to build common ground and achieve win-win solutions has remained with her throughout her professional life.
Now serving as the CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, Alex works to ensure that the voice of Abbotsford’s business community is heard at every level of government. Formerly an expert in crisis communications at the top firm Hill & Knowlton, a local government innovation strategist, Economic Development Officer at the City of Abbotsford, and a globetrotting media and policy analyst for a Nobel Prize winner, Alex has deep roots in helping people and communities solve complex problems.
Mitchell’s work today is driven by a belief in the economic development potential of the Fraser Valley, and she is uniquely positioned to advocate for the growth of its businesses. “My top priority right now is ensuring our businesses can weather the storm of economic uncertainty South of the border (Abbotsford is the most tariff-exposed city in B.C.) and overall competitiveness of our regional economy.”
Alex’s leadership approach is founded on purpose, which has become even more centered since she welcomed her first child at the end of 2024. “Parenthood has lit an even brighter fire in me to make a difference and create a stronger, more resilient community. I want my daughter to see a future full of opportunity in Canada, where the only barrier to her success is how hard she is willing to work.”
During Mother’s Day celebrations in May, Alex reflects on her mother’s influence in teaching her resilience and the value of hard work. Alex remembers going to vote with her mom and volunteering at community events, from the Western Canada Summer Games to her local Ukrainian Cultural Association.
For this Mother’s Day Edition of Drishti, we asked Alex about one of the most valuable lessons she has learned as a woman in leadership. “There is no shortage of great ideas out there,” Alex says, “but sometimes leaders can get stuck in solely imagining what’s possible and forgetting that one has to get something started and focus on it. How many big, bold ideas have landed in the dustbin because someone wasn’t willing to take the first step to get it up and running?”
Alex’s leadership brand emphasizes a willingness to put ideas into action. This commitment to action drives her work at the Chamber. Last year, her team organized nearly 40 events, increased membership by 10%, and collaborated with neighboring chambers in the Fraser Valley to establish the Fraser Valley Business Coalition, which advocates for the region and its thousands of member businesses. This effort culminated in a regional economic summit that gathered hundreds of business leaders, featuring a keynote address from Premier Eby. They are planning an even more significant event in May 2026.
When asked whether she leads differently as a woman, Alex spoke about the need to sit at the table unapologetically.
“But most importantly, it’s systems change needed to drive results,” she says.
That’s why Alex once again put ideas into action by launching the Chamber’s Women’s Leadership Council last fall. This initiative aims to foster a community of empowerment and support for women in business, while advocating for tangible policy changes. The Council has now hosted three events focused on elevating women’s voices, access to capital, and inclusive leadership.
So, we asked, “What’s next?”
Without flinching, she stated: “Serve Others. Raise the next generation to do the same. Fight for Canada.”
