Shirley's post-graduation journey was marked by a bold decision to relocate to New York City, where she embarked on a series of unconventional employment ventures. Her tenure as a waitress at the iconic Empire State Building provided a unique backdrop for her early career, followed by stints as a receptionist at 20th Century Fox and a cocktail waitress at the legendary disco club Visage.
This adventurous spirit was further exemplified by Shirley's cross-country honeymoon road trip, which ultimately led her and her partner to settle in Hollywood. Within a remarkably short span of just one week, Shirley found herself assuming the role of building manager, concurrently achieving a significant windfall of $15,000 on Wheel of Fortune and engaging in a mentorship with the renowned acting coach Michael Shurtleff.
Since then, Shirley has continued to pursue a diverse range of creative and professional endeavors, relishing every moment of her multifaceted career. Her discovery of voice-over work led to a notable shift in her professional trajectory, as she is now widely recognized for her portrayal of Tanya, a former veterinarian turned forensic specialist, in the acclaimed audio podcast We're Alive. This multi-award-winning production has garnered an impressive 200 million downloads worldwide, cementing Shirley's status as a talented and versatile voice artist.