ABOUT RYANA PARKS-SHAW

Ryana represents the 5th City Council District of Kansas City.  She began serving her first term in August 2019.  

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Mayor Quinton Lucas appointed Ryana to the Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee, and the Special Committee on Housing Policy.  She also serves as the Vice Chair of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Commission,

Co- Chair of the Health Commission and Chair of the Mayor’s HouselessTask Force. During her second term, Mayor Quinton Lucas appointed Ryana as Mayor Pro Tem for the 2023-2027 term.  He also appointed her as the Chair of the Neighborhood, Planning and Development Committee.  She continues to serve as the Vice Chair of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Commission, Co- Chair of the Health Commission and the Chair of the Land Bank Board of Commissioners. 

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Ryana serves as a member of the Kansas City Zoo Board of Directors  and the Starlight Board of Directors.  

 

Born and raised in a union household, Ryana Parks-Shaw is an experienced leader, caring parent and a champion for her constituents.

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Ryana is a long-time healthcare executive. Motivated by her service as a board member of the Missouri Hospice and Palliative Care Board of Directors, she has a deep passion for community service and improving access to healthcare. She has a Psychology degree from Missouri State University and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Services Administration from Southwest Baptist University. Ryana is a proud alumni of Ruskin High School. 

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Outside of her career in healthcare Ryana has served the community in other capacities including her time as a Eastern Jackson County Workforce Development Board member where she worked tirelessly to reduce unemployment in the region.  She has volunteered with the American Heart Association, National Alliance for Mental Illness, and  Alzheimer’s Association.  She is a member of St. James United Methodist Church, The Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Links, Incorporated  and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. 

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As a  successful small business owner, Ryana knows first hand what her community needs. She and her husband Michael of 25 years, have raised their three children here and are dedicated to finding solutions to improve our neighborhoods and our city. 

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Ryana is taking that same level of proven leadership, dedication and public service to City Hall and will continue to work to increase transparency, accountability, and advocate for the best interests of our working families.