We asked each of our table officers the same questions and today we’re going to get to know NSUPE’s President, Shelby Kennedy.
According to the NSUPE Constitution, the President is the CEO of the Union. The President is responsible for supervising all aspects of the Union, signing official documents, and holding Executive Council meetings.
-
Where do you work?
I work at the Halifax Central Library for Halifax Public Libraries.
-
What is your job title?
My title is Library Assistant 6. I am essentially a librarian but I don’t have a masters degree and I don’t have to supervise anyone.
-
How long have you been a NSUPE member?
Since May 2015.
-
What do you wish everyone knew about NSUPE?
I wish everyone knew how dedicated we are to serving our members. Our table officer and executive council positions are volunteer, which usually surprises people. We volunteer because we believe in the rights of our members as well as the rights of all workers.
-
What is your greatest hope for NSUPE?
I hope that somehow we will have a great impact on organizations and governments on a large scale and the individual lives of workers on a smaller scale.
-
What is a little-known fact about you?
I met my partner about 16 years ago playing Dungeons and Dragons and I have been a dungeon master for a campaign on and off for the past 5 years.
-
What do you do in your spare time?
I took up street style dancing about a year ago. If I’m not at work, you’ll most likely find me at the dance studio! Feel free to look up my videos on Instagram.
-
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about being a table officer?
My favorite thing is having that sense of unity. I always feel so grateful that we (EC members, staff, table officers, business agents, active members, etc) have each other.
-
What do you hope to achieve in your position as President?
I hope to get more members involved in the union, and I hope that we can organize more workplaces.
-
What is your favorite food?
Ramen and other noodle dishes.
-
What was your first job?
Working at Tim Horton’s. My mom was the manager.
-
What advice do you wish someone gave you on your first day as a NSUPE member?
I know things seem complicated and confusing. All of that information about acronyms and the collective agreement will come to you in time. The one thing you need to understand is that we have each other’s backs here so ask questions, get involved, and support your coworkers in every way you can.
-
What are you passionate about? (personally/professionally?)
I’m passionate workers’ rights (obviously), education of all ages for social and economic growth. Personally, I’m a huge fangirl. I love Japanese anime, video games, and I am totally captivated by the South Korean boy band BTS.
-
What do you hope to achieve in 2020? (personally/professionally?)
In 2020, I hope to improve as a dancer and become a healthier person, and finally get that tooth implant I’ve been waiting for. I run an anime club at the library so I hope that I will be able to grow the attendance in that club, help teens express themselves, and help them find new friends and communities.
-
What scares you?
The 2020 US election…
-
Where would you like to travel to and why?
Like I mentioned before, I am a Japanese anime fan and have been for almost my whole life. I have learned a lot through the years about Japanese culture and I would love to visit Japan. My other passion being a South Korean boy band… well I hear the transport from Japan to South Korea is inexpensive, so why not feed two birds with one seed?
-
What question do you wish I had asked?
The real important stuff like “is a hot dog a sandwich?” and “How has the appearance of Baby Yoda affected your life?” Ok that was a joke but I might like to see something fun like “describe your favorite pizza” or “who is your favorite Disney character” or “cake or pie?”