Shell has been a lifelong Democrat, though only recently has become more involved than just voting every two years. They have extensive work experience from clerking for the FBI, to legal information coordinator for a Fortune 100 company in the 80’s. They have recently retired after 21 years as the web content and email campaign manager for a Swiss company.

Shell is a resident of Somonauk, Illinois at the southernmost tip of Dekalb County and is the Democratic Precinct Committee person for Somonauk Township. They are the Communications Committee Chair for the Dekalb County Democrats. They are a member of the LGBTQ+ community and support numerous diversity groups such as Black Lives Matter. Shell was married for 21 years to her late husband, Steph Dunn, and has two adult sons. She currently lives in a 120+ year old house with her oldest son and four cats.