Shannon grew up in a community-minded, union, and NDP household, understanding at an early age that progress must be fought for and no one should be left behind. Seeing real practical wins for working people and social progress led her to a career in labour and social justice, where she has spent 18 years advocating for the rights of workers and equity-seeking communities.

Shannon has served as the Communications Director for the Canadian Auto Workers union (CAW) and later Unifor, as well as the Executive Director of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL). In her current role as the national department head for the Communications and Political Action Department at the United Steelworkers union (USW), she leads strategic campaigns that amplify workers' voices and address systemic inequities. She has focused her time at USW on measures to enhance workplace safety and a voice at work, secure fair wages, and promote inclusive policies that reflect the diverse fabric of our workforce, while also co-leading the Steel Pride 2SLGBTQIA+ national working group.

Since her early days as a student activist, she has been deeply involved in organizing community, electoral, and workplace campaigns. She grew as an organizer and leader through multiple rounds of collective bargaining, member mobilization efforts, and campaigns to deliver progress for working people and equity-seeking groups, each time seeing the transformative power of collective action. By collaborating with labour, community organizations, and stakeholders at all levels of government, she has learned what it takes to build inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Shannon lives in Toronto’s east end, with her wife and their two daughters. She is a frequent volunteer in her daughter’s school, Bowmore Road Junior and Senior Public School, a long-distance runner and has been published in the Toronto Star for her commentary on politics, work, and social issues.

Shannon is ready to use her passion and advocacy experience to fight for Beaches—East York in Ottawa. An affordable life, fair wages, and accessible health care is possible—we just need a government that's willing to put people first.