Shivaun was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, and moved to Austin, Texas as a child accompanying her American mother in 1975. As a bi-lingual, bi-cultural child she navigated cultural differences by befriending those with limited understanding of other cultures and biases with compassionate communication, understanding, and inclusivity. Her work with the elderly, the disabled, and at-risk youth motivated her to pursue leadership and training to help improve the lives of marginalized populations. After finding her home and place of belonging in Salmo, BC, Shivaun is committed to serving as a ‘cross-cultural pollinator’ helping to promote greater understanding of immigrant and rural issues affecting the Kootenays.