Alexandra Shimo is an author and journalist based in Toronto. Raised in London, England by a single mum, a struggling artist, she returned to her birth town of Toronto after her BA at Oxford in politics, philosophy and economics, and an MA from Columbia University in journalism. A former producer for CBC radio and editor at Maclean’s, Canada’s largest current affairs magazine, she is passionate about journalism and social justice, and pursues these interests through her volunteer work, and her books and essays about history, poverty and human rights. She lives with her partner Lia Grimanis and their baby son Jacob, and teaches creative non-fiction and memoir at the University of Toronto. In her spare time, she also teaches meditation at Octopus Garden, and sits on the advisory board for Up With Women, which helps formerly homeless women and children escape poverty, and for DreamCatcher Mentoring, which offers career guidance to northern and indigenous youth.