Shirley Barnea: From Activist to City Council Candidate

By 21, St. George’s alumna Shirley Barnea ‘21 had already gone from organizing climate marches to to taking an active role in her local community. A longtime advocate for environmental and social causes, has helped organize roughly thirty climate marches in Montreal and serves on the Board of Directors for Sierra Club Canada.

From Student Leadership to Civic Engagement

Shirley’s journey from the St. George’s Green Team to civic participation reflects her belief in youth leadership, her commitment to community service, and her desire to use the opportunities she has been given to make a positive difference.

“I feel lucky to have had the chance to be involved and to see that even small actions can create meaningful change.”
— Shirley Barnea ‘21

Encouraging Young People to Take Part

Shirley is passionate about helping young people see the power of their voices. She encourages students to follow local issues, ask questions, and engage in causes they care about.

“Change isn’t only for adults,” she notes. “Even young people can influence their communities if they get involved and stay informed.”

St. George’s: A Foundation for Leadership

Shirley credits her education at St. George’s for shaping her leadership style and sense of responsibility. Through programs like the Leadership Program, Earth Day projects, and cross-grade collaborations, she learned that leadership is about service, collaboration, and community impact.

“Being at St. George’s helped me understand that with privilege comes responsibility,” she reflects. “I feel a responsibility to give back wherever I can.”

Looking Ahead

Currently studying Economics and Political Science at Université de Montréal, Shirley continues to stay engaged with civic life and community initiatives. She hopes to keep contributing to causes that promote sustainability, social justice, and community well-being.

“My goal isn’t a title or position,” she says. “It’s about having a positive influence on society and doing work that matters.”