Gabby was born to a blue-collar family in Elmhurst, Illinois. When she was 8, her family decided to become first-time homeowners and moved to the Plainfield area where Gabby graduated Plainfield Central High School. Her passion for public service blossomed during economics and government classes. While in school, Gabby was a competitive figure skater for the Inwood Ice Arena and played flute and piccolo in the symphonic and marching bands. Watching her parents live paycheck to paycheck taught Gabby through struggle, with hard work and dedication- anything is possible. Gabby started working at 13 as a figure skating instructor to help her parents pay for ice time. Gabby learned at an early age what it means to have perseverance, tenacity, and grit. 

Gabby attended the University of St. Francis in Joliet and became the first member of her family to graduate college. During college, she interned for a US Senator in Washington DC and US congressman in their district office. While in college, Gabby continued to work virtually full-time with various jobs to pay for books and tuition. After receiving a double major in United States History and Political Science in 3 ½ years, Gabby went on the pursue a master’s degree in business administration, graduating when her firstborn son was 6 months old.

After college, Gabby’s focus was on raising her stepdaughter, Nina, and starting a family of her own with her husband, Marty. Gabby concentrated on being a mom to Nina, the band and cross-country star, Andrew and Theodore. She will be the first to tell you that being a stay-at-home mom is the most rewarding yet exhausting experience- ever! A few hours a week, Gabby continued to share her passion for figure skating by coaching students of all ages.

During these years, Gabby and Marty were often seen around Joliet volunteering at various community events including New Orleans North, the CAPA Wine Walk, Will County Advocacy Center’s annual Men Who Cook, and the IHSA Baseball playoffs. In 2019, Gabby was appointed to the 708 Mental Health board where she helped appropriate funds for various county direct service organizations. She was also appointed to the Kendall County Forest Preserve planning and advisory committee where she helped implement the county’s 5-year vision. In 2020, she was appointed to the Board of Health for Kendall County where she helped organize, appropriate, and execute the county’s COVID vaccination clinic. She currently chairs the finance committee for the Board of health.

After 6 years as a stay-at-home/part-time working mom, Gabby entered the workforce full-time after her husband lost his job. One of the hardest moments in the Shanahan household was when the primary breadwinner was not employed. Gabby knows the feelings of struggle, hopelessness, doubt and wants you to know you’re never alone. 

Currently, Gabby works full-time as an executive assistant for a non-profit organization that fights for taxpayers who deserve a voice in their government. She also serves as the national committeewoman of Illinois for the Young Republican Nation Federation and is the county chairwoman for the Kendall Young Republicans.

Like many working families, Gabby is concerned with the direction of our state because of extreme policies coming out of Springfield. She is running for state representative to advocate for a secure and prosperous state by supporting policies that keep tax rates low, communities safe, small businesses prospering, and giving children the education opportunities that suit their families’ needs. 

Gabby believes it is important to champion the needs of hardworking individuals and limit government control for human flourishing and prosperity.

“We need to fix Illinois now, for the future!” – Gabby Shanahan

Public Service Experience

Current
Kendall County Board of Health
Finance Committee Chair

Kendall County Young Republicans
Chairwoman

Previous
708 Mental Health Board
Board member

Kendall County Forest Preserve
Planning and Advisory Committee

Additionally, I have interned for a United States Senator in Washington D.C., and I have interned for a United States congressman in his district office. I have also helped several candidates with their various races.

In addition, you can often see my husband and I volunteer in and around the Joliet, Aurora, and Kendall county area.

Education

MBA with a concentration in Finance
University of St. Francis

B.A. Political Science
B.A. United States History
University of St. Francis

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