Ashlene Etkie

What fuels your passion for health and fitness?

What truly fuels me is being able to inspire others to redefine what health looks like for them. I want people to know they don’t need to fit a mold to be healthy. You can be strong, soft, disciplined, and still human. Health is not about perfection. It’s about commitment to yourself, your growth& your well-being over time. Some days it looks like pushing heavier weight or finishing a tough workout. Other days it looks like rest, stretching, or choosing grace over guilt. Learning that balance

What’s your favorite way to train or stay fit?

My favorite way to train is by mixing Pilates, HIIT, and weight lifting. I love Pilates for the control, core strength, and mind–body connection it builds. HIIT fuels my energy and challenges my endurance. Weight lifting is where I feel the strongest; it pushes me to grow, build discipline, and see real progress over time. I’m also intentional about building a healthy relationship with food. I love cooking high-protein meals and showing that food isn’t something to fear or restrict, it’s fuel.

What would you do with $20,000?

If I won $20,000, I would invest it into becoming a certified fitness coach to create inclusive programs that build strength and confidence. As a Deaf person, my dream is to travel and coach at different schools, serving as representation for the Deaf community and showing Deaf students that leadership and wellness are possible.