Meet our team: Shannon Mony

This week, join us as we travel to Perth to catch up with Shannon Mony. Shannon is our Communications & Engagement Officer and has been with the team since mid-2019.

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What motivated you to join Project Didi?

I am a strong advocate for gender equality and am passionate about working to ensure that every woman has a voice. As a mother of two daughters, this is a topic that is close to my heart. The sheer enormity of the human trafficking industry astounds me. Project Didi does such amazing work in this space and I was motivated to join in order to help promote awareness of this critical issue. 

What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?

Given it’s only Februrary, I currently only have a very short list to choose from! However, I recently finished Any Ordinary Day by Leigh Sales. It’s a beautifully written collection of accounts from people who have faced the unimaginable but have found the strength to go on. It includes some compelling research about the way in which the human brain processes grief and trauma. It is an inspiring read and is a wonderful reminder to be grateful for and to find the magic in all those ‘ordinary days’.  

Where did you grow up?

I am a bit of a ‘global citizen’ (and yes, my accent is a bit confusing!). I grew up in South Africa, lived in New Zealand for 12 years, travel on a Canadian passport and have lived in Perth for the last 8 years.

Shannon at the Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, WA.

Why is volunteering important to you?

In Australia we lead such privileged lives it is easy to take things for granted. I volunteer because I am a firm believer in the importance of giving back. I am also motivated by being a good role model for my two daughters. My goal is to raise grateful children and for them to know how important it is for every woman and child to have a voice (and to know how much work there still needs to be done in this space). 

Where is your happy place?

Sundowners on the beach or anywhere in nature, basking in sunshine, breathing in fresh air and simply ‘being’ with my family. Alternatively, curled up somewhere with my dogs and with my nose in a book and a cup of tea (or glass of wine) in hand. 

Shannon in the spectacular Lucky Bay, Esperance, WA. Clearly we all need to spend more time in WA!

What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?

No doubt something my sassy five year old or cheeky two year old said to me! My husband also often has me in fits of laughter. A day very rarely goes by when I don’t laugh out loud. I believe that maintaining a good sense of humor is one of life’s greatest necessities. I don’t take myself too seriously and love surrounding myself with people who make me laugh. 

What’s at the top of your bucket list?

Travel, travel and more travel. I love adventures and exploring new places. As a family, we rarely go back to the same place twice. There are too many new cities to visit and cultures to explore. Some of my (current) top destinations include: Vietnam, Japan, Italy and Greece. The list is constantly expanding. There are also so many amazing Australian spots I still need to see! 

Meet the rest of the Project Didi team!