What is your name?
Shelley Hunt
What is your position with the Y?
Manager of Community Programs, South Okanagan
What Y Centre/program do you work with?
Penticton Community Programs and Queen’s Park Child Care
What do you always find yourself saying?
“I love my job and the people I work with” – I know I risk sounding insincere, but I say this A LOT.
There’s also the classic: “I can’t believe I forgot to attach the attachment AGAIN”
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world (currently alive) who would you select?
The cast of “Parks and Recreation” or Brene Brown.
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
I recently just made an appearance on my 12-year-old’s Snapchat – I feel like there should be an award for that. Also, I will probably win an award in a food eating contest one day – my team can attest to this. Speed or amount. I’ll be prouder than I should be.
Please explain one fond memory you have of the Y.
I have been with the Y for more than 8 years so narrowing this down is hard. I honestly have so many laugh-out-loud moments with the people I have had the privilege of working with. We know how to work hard and have a good laugh.
Hearing youth say “this program changed my life” are favourite memories. And sharing that with colleagues you respect and enjoy? Does it get any better than that?
Are you staying connected with your Y family during this time, and if so, how?
Very much so. We have staff meetings and staff “socials” via Zoom. We also do get to see each other through glass sometimes – haha!
Where is your favourite place to “dine”/order takeout in the Okanagan?
Happiness Thai, Tratto Pizza or Wild Scallion.
What is your favourite activity while social distancing in the Okanagan?
Hiking. This was my favourite activity pre-covid too, though! I also joined a virtual book club so I have been reading a lot and discussing books with friends.
Who inspires you (within your Y family or elsewhere)?
My team. They work so hard and they are so passionate and compassionate. They are so good to each other, their clients and to me.
Cass (my GM) challenges and inspires me and is one of the reasons I am in this role. I think she knew I could be here before I did and I am grate
ful for that.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Travel to Greece and Italy and pretty much anywhere else
- Write 2 books: 1 memoir/life how-to and 1 novel
- Retire and road-trip in a motorhome for the rest of my life
- Produce a documentary
- Know where my keys are at any given moment
Tell us about a defining moment in your life.
In 2014, I donated a kidney to a 6-year-old boy. It was the easiest decision I’ve ever made and I wish I could do it again. It was defining because for the first time in my life, I pushed through other’s expectations and fears to do something I had an unshakeable feeling about. It forever changed how I live my life.
What are you passionate about?
Vulnerability, growth, compassion, people. Being outside, exploring, travelling. Journaling, therapy, and personal empowerment.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
The day(s) my boys were born. The day I donated a kidney. The day I was promoted to manager. The day I fell in love with my partner. Any day I am on a plane to a new country. Sorry – there’s too many!
What do you miss the most about your Y before the pandemic?
Staff get-togethers and socials, for sure. We make it work with zoom, but it’s not the same.
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
Honestly? I just want the staff who work here to be able to say I inspired them to develop themselves, and put their heart into their work, and that I cared for them as people first.
What 3 qualities do you feel your Y exemplifies?
- Quality work and service
- Compassion
- Fun
How does your team/facility/program make a difference every day?
Oh this is so easy: We create space for youth and children that is safe, inclusive, engaging and kind. In this space, individuals learn, grow and feel supported. In this space, individuals experience compassion and advocacy and the belief that they are enough and can do great things. Cass came up with a motto for our division and I absolutely love it: “We act as allies for those who have chosen to take a courageous step towards growth.”
What words of encouragement would you say to our Y member/participants/families right now?
Allow yourself to feel whatever feelings you have at any given time. Actively love yourself. You are already doing the hard thing you think you can’t do!
What would you like to say to your fellow staff/volunteer team?
You’re literally the best. I have won the team jackpot. The way you all readjusted how you do things (sometimes multiple times and sometimes at a moment’s notice) is most commendable. The way you served and cared for your clients while navigating the pandemic yourself, is so admirable. Both the openness to growth and the capacity to adapt on this team are spectacular. I could go on and on. What I hope for you all is that you never lose sight of how important the work you do is.
How has your role changed during COVID?
I was promoted to Manager in the middle of 2020 so my role changed quite a bit. It has been the challenge I didn’t know I needed and I have enjoyed the growth and responsibility. I have had to learn how to creatively engage my team and support them with minimal in-person contact. I have appreciated the stretch and lessons learned, AND I am ready for a big staff party ;)
What does community mean to you?
Community means: You are as valuable as me and I am as valuable as you.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I know I am sounding redundant, but the people. The people we serve and the people on my team. I also love team brainstorming and developing. I love learning through discussions.
What Y team member would you like to give a shout-out to and why?
Jared Hidber – we miss you here in the South! Jared is one of those rare people who is as good to the core as he seems. He’s such a gem and I learned so much from him while he was the Manager here.