Victoria Sexual Assault Centre Welcomes New Executive Director Ashley Dryburgh
- Aug 11
- 2 min read
11 August, 2026, Victoria BC (Songhees, Xwsepsum and W̱ SÁNEĆ Territories) – The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) proudly welcomes Ashley Dryburgh as its new Executive Director, ushering in a new chapter of growth built on the organization’s strong foundation of healing, education and prevention.
Dryburgh is a self-described queer anti-racist feminist with a proven track record of navigating complex transformational organizational change in service of eradicating oppression. She has held senior leadership positions at the Royal BC Museum, the BC Provincial Government, and several not-for-profit organizations in Alberta.
“Ashley’s relentless pursuit of innovation and social justice aligns directly with VSAC’s mission to support survivors with advocacy, counselling and empowerment with the end-goal of ending sexualized violence,” says Susie Bowles, Co-Chair of VSAC’s Board of Directors. “Our sector is facing distinct challenges when it comes to funding and de-colonizing the work, but the Board is confident that Ashley can help us navigate these emerging demands.”
In February, the Centre celebrated the ten-year anniversary of their on-site sexual assault clinic—the first of its kind in British Columbia. This space provides a trauma-informed, private and calm alternative to survivors seeking medical care who cannot or do not wish to visit the emergency room at a hospital after experiencing violence.
“I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to step into the ED role at VSAC, and can’t wait to integrate myself into the organization and their community,” says Ashley Dryburgh, new Executive Director at VSAC. “Our mission has never been more important, and I’m energized by the work ahead and the passionate staff and volunteers that make VSAC run. I’m grateful to be part of the next chapter of our story.”
The Board and staff express gratitude to outgoing Executive Director Samantha Loppie, whose leadership and dedication have profoundly shaped the organization.
ABOUT VSAC
The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre started as a grassroots meeting in a basement over 40 years ago, and is now a crucial community resource whose services were accessed more than 1,700 times in 2025. This includes direct client services such as a 24/7 sexual assault response team, counselling, an in-house clinic, and victim services, as well as a variety of survivor-centred programming to support healing, advocacy and prevention.
Contact: Alison Demers and Susie Bowles, Co-Chairs of Victoria Sexual Assault Society Board of Directors vsacboardcochairs@gmail.com.
