Why 42nd & Grace?
The name reflects the spirit that motivates us, professionally and personally.
For Jamie, that spirit began in New York City. From her first visit, she was captivated by its energy, colour, and cultural mix. Nowhere embodies that blend more than 42nd Street—a place where people converge, where pasts don’t dictate futures, and where diversity fuels possibility and unity.
For Shane, it comes from his grandmother. A war bride, mother, and widow within three years, she came to Canada and rebuilt her life with quiet resilience. Her closest friends became a German couple who had served on the opposite side. When asked how she could befriend “the enemy,” she answered simply: Always get to know someone’s heart. Her name was Grace. And she lived it.
42nd & Grace carries those values forward. We believe in connection, understanding, and doing what’s right. Strong communication and a commitment to openness guide our work and our belief in building healthier, more connected communities.
Shane Mills
Since he was a teenager, Shane has been fascinated by public policy and the politics that drive it. The passion has never subsided.
Beginning his career in journalism, Shane worked in small towns across Northern Ontario and throughout British Columbia. Local journalism is vital to explain a community, not just the big stories but the little ones. As an award-winning writer and editor, he helped to craft diaries that reflected the community back to itself.
Making the switch to working at the British Columbia Legislature, Shane experienced a different perspective – not simply telling the stories but being part of creating them.
In his nearly 20 years in Victoria, including six years as director of issues management in the Premier’s Office, he learned the impact government can have in positive and negative ways. Most importantly, he learned to identify when it was vital to admit a failing and course correct; and, conversely, when to stand by your principles.
He has also spent time working in municipal government, which provided insight into how what might seem like small changes can have a dramatic effect on people’s day-to-day life.
Shane has also hosted podcasts, conducted television interviews, appeared as an analyst on radio, been a fill-in talk show host, done baseball play-by-play and hosted the post-game show for a Western Hockey League team.
These experiences, combined with serving on the board of a non-profit, have brought him to one conclusion: we need to talk.
Change in a vacuum creates chaos. Whether you are a government, First Nation, non-profit or small business, people need to know what the problem is and feel heard on the solution.
And Shane looks forward to putting that hard earned experience to work for you.
Jamie Lloyd-Smith
BIO COMING SOON
42nd & Grace 