Sometimes rather than ask us who we are, people will try to tell us who we are. But it is so important that we speak from our own perspectives and speak and live the story of who we are.
I’m Shamair Turner.
I’m from Millwoods.
My parents rooted me in the soil of amiskwaciwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ and Antigua.
They didn’t come looking for a better place, they simply built a bridge from one special place to another and our lives have always been enriched by both.
I have a Bachelor of Commerce in Business, Economics and Law from the University of Alberta. When I say I have a business background I mean that my education was possible because of our community sou sou. We organize and we always come together to help each other out, and I knew I wanted to build security and stability in my life so I can invest back into the community that cares for me. It’s what we do.
I have built a career over the last 16 years working as a Commercial Insurance Broker and Risk Manager. And in doing so I’ve learned a lot about how structures work, how they fail, and how we build resiliency. When I say I will bring smart financial decisions to City Council I mean that I understand the work that it’s going to take to really heal and rebuild from the painful challenges that so many of us have faced. I understand the urgency, I understand we can’t afford to waste a penny.
I learned to swim at Millwoods Rec Centre. I have soccer medals from tournaments in Millwoods Park. My job during school was at the Value Village on 34 Ave. I took the 62 to Millgate then the 6 to attend the U of A and I was in Millwoods when I accepted the job that launched my professional career. These places have shaped me, and I have shaped them back by investing my life in them, growing, learning, and building in relationship with them. I believe in the City of Edmonton and our ability to build a place where we can heal, connect, take care of each other and create together. There are so many amazing people here doing amazing things.
I don’t have all the answers, but I know I don’t need to if we’re going to work together. The reason I’m running for City Council is because I know I can bring people together and build collaborative relationships.