Shirley earned a degree in Political Science from UCLA, where she discovered an interest in both education and policy through being a member of various outreach initiatives and serving as an editor for the undergraduate research journal. Since then she has delved deeper into this passion by volunteering her time as a mentor at Minds Matter (a nonprofit organization providing college counseling for economically disadvantaged students) and also by volunteering as a reader for the APIA Scholarship Foundation. As well, in 2018 Shirley was officially certified through the UCSD extended studies program in college counseling.

Shirley officially calls Northern California her home, but takes any chance she can to travel to different parts of the world. In her spare time she loves cooking food that she’s encountered during her travels, and many outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, and skiing.