Shawn Soares' life was tragically cut short on May 4 at age 26, but his smile will forever remain in the memory of everyone he knew.

Shawn was born in Goa, India on March 19, 1997 to Alec and Nimmi Soares. He moved to Florida in 2005 after spending much of his childhood in Qatar, and moved to Virginia in 2010. His love for the commonwealth and its people motivated him to make it a better place for everyone.

Shawn began his political career as an intern for the late Congressman Donald E. McEachin. He later worked as a legislative aide to Del. Suhas Subramanyam.

At age 24, Shawn was the youngest person in Gov. Ralph Northam's administration. He served as the director of Asian American Pacific Islander outreach and the deputy director of appointments for the state.

Shawn later worked for McEachin again, as his director of outreach. Inspired by the congressman's work on environmental matters, Shawn sought to honor his mentor and protect our natural resources by becoming policy manager of clean energy & climate justice for the Virginia Conservation Network.

In addition to his work in politics, Shawn performed as a DJ known as "Mezmereyez." In 2019, he played a show at The Anthem in Washington D.C., opening for Tipper, his favorite artist.

Outside of his work, Shawn loved to travel, listen to music and play with his cat, Lilly.

Shawn is mourned by his parents Alec and Nimmi Soares, his family in India, Canada and Qatar, his girlfriend Anna Bryson, and his many friends.

Shawn's love will be in our hearts forever. As he used to tell his mother and his girlfriend, "I love you infinity times infinity."