Sheilagh O’Leary (she/her), a St. John’s native, is an award-winning photographer and creative producer with a Master of Fine Arts degree from Grenfell College, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. With extensive experience in visual media, radio broadcasting, education, and not-for-profit sectors, Sheilagh’s work focuses on diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Sheilagh has successfully run a small business for over 30 years and is the author of two books: Human Natured: Newfoundland Nudes and co-produced Island Maid: Voices of Outport Women, which documents the lives of rural women prior to the fishing moratorium.

An active volunteer for over three decades, Sheilagh is passionate about nature, feminism, and environmental stewardship. She is a proud mother of three and embraces her Irish-Indigenous ancestry, which informs her work and advocacy around cultural diversity and respect. In 2013, driven by a personal bucket-list goal to swim 5 km from Portugal Cove to Bell Island, Sheilagh founded, organized, and swam the Tickle Swim for Mental Health, raising awareness and funds for the Canadian Mental Health Association (NL).

As an elected representative for the City of St. John’s since 2009, Sheilagh has held various leadership roles, including serving as the city’s lead for Sustainability. She is a board representative for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, a former board member for Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, and the founding chair of the MNL Women’s Caucus. She also co-chaired Equal Voice NL. Since 2017, Sheilagh has served as Deputy Mayor of St. John’s, where she is deeply committed to building healthy, resilient communities and promoting mentorship.

Sheilagh, a lifelong resident of St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi, has devoted over 40 years to volunteer service and 14 years on City Council as Councillor and Deputy Mayor. A passionate cultural producer and tireless advocate for equity, affordability, and sustainability, she earned the 2024 Woman of Influence Award for her impactful leadership.