2023 Mainstage Speaker

 Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw is representing the 5th City Council District of Kansas City. She began serving her first term in August 2019. She has lived in the 5th district with her family for over 22 years.

Mayor Quinton Lucas appointed Ryana as Mayor Pro Tem of Kansas City in August 2023. She also serves as the Chair of the Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee, Chair of the Land Bank Commission, Vice Chair of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Commission, and Co-Chair of the Health Commission. 

She previously served as the Chair of the Mayor’s Houseless Task Force. She is also a member of the Kansas City Zoo Board of Directors and the Starlight Board of Directors.

Mrs. Parks-Shaw is a long-time healthcare executive. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri State University and a Master of Science degree from Southwest Baptist University. 

She is an alum of Ruskin High School in the Hickman Mills School District. Motivated by her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, she has a deep passion for community service and improving the quality of life for Kansas City residents.

She has been a member of St. James United Methodist Church, also in the 5th district, for over 35 years. 

Mrs. Parks-Shaw is a caring parent, successful small business owner, and an experienced leader. As a former union member, she is a champion for her constituents.