Shannon Rex

For Shannon Rex, Fort McMurray is more than just a place to live; it’s a canvas on which she paints her vision for community connection and growth. As the Executive Director of FuseSocial, Shannon dedicates her life to nurturing relationships and empowering individuals to become champions of their community. Since moving to Fort McMurray in 2014, she has made it her mission to inspire others and foster a sense of belonging in the region.

Originally from Georgetown, Ontario, Shannon’s journey to Fort McMurray began unexpectedly. In the spring of 2014, while working as a Youth Development Coordinator at the YMCA of Guelph, she attended the YMCA Canada Young Leaders Forum. There, she formed valuable connections with YMCAs across the country, including the YMCA of Northern Alberta. Those connections opened the door to her new life in Fort McMurray, where she moved into her first home on Halloween of that year.

Shannon holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors Specialization in Childhood & Social Institutions from Kings University College at the University of Western Ontario, where she graduated in 2012. Her educational background has greatly influenced her approach to community building. “The most rewarding part of my career is absolutely building community and community champions,” she says. “There’s something magical about helping people see themselves as active creators of their community.” For Shannon, community is built not only in council chambers or nonprofit organizations but in everyday interactions—how we treat one another, show up in times of need, and celebrate successes together.

Her dedication to the community goes beyond her professional role. Shannon has volunteered for numerous local initiatives, including walking dogs at the SPCA, participating in community clean-ups, and hosting trivia nights at the Legion. “Volunteering was a big part of my journey when I first moved here,” she reflects, highlighting how it helped her build her social network. Her tagline succinctly captures her life’s balancing act: “Unmeasurably blessed, chronically tired working mom—trying to do her part to make the community a better and kinder place.”

Shannon’s family—her husband and four young children—greatly influence her decisions and contributions to the community. “It’s a special privilege and a huge responsibility to be a part of creating the world your kids will grow up in,” she explains. This commitment to her family also inspires her to strive for work-life harmony. “Raising young kids while learning how to be an effective Executive Director has been a whirlwind,” she admits, emphasizing the importance of giving herself grace amidst the chaos.

As Shannon looks to the future, her primary aspiration is to continue refining her work-life balance while fostering a positive work environment for her team. “I want to create space for the ‘humanness’ of working parenthood,” she notes, recognizing that leadership comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities.

One of the significant challenges facing Fort McMurray today, according to Shannon, is burnout. “Our community has been through a lot in recent years, and many of us pull back when struggling with burnout,” she explains. Encouraging residents to reconnect after periods of rest is crucial, and Shannon believes that volunteering can be a vital starting point for healing. “Working alongside friends and neighbours to create community programs and events can reignite that sense of connection,” she says, as with any new routine, the hardest part is often just getting started.

For Shannon Rex, community is built through intentional connections, mutual support, and active participation. As she continues her work at FuseSocial, she remains committed to empowering others to believe in their ability to make a difference. “There is incredible potential in the ripple effect of small, everyday acts of kindness, generosity and leadership” she concludes, embodying the spirit of perseverance and community-building that defines her mission in Fort McMurray.

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