2025 Main Stage Speaker

Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw represents 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 23 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, and Vice Chair of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Commission. She previously served as the Chair of the Mayor’s Houseless Task Force, and Co-Chair of the Health Commission. She is also a member of the Kansas City Economic Development Board, Zoo Board, KC Shepherd Center Board 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 alumnus 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.