Ryana Parks-Shaw

On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with Kansas City Mayor Pro Tem, Ryana Parks-Shaw to continue our series on women who influence policy. 

Parks-Shaw is currently in her second year of a four-year term as mayor pro tem. She is a Kansas City native — having graduated from Ruskin High School (7000 E. 111th St.) before obtaining a Bachelor of Science from Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo., and a Master of Science from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. 

Throughout this episode, she discusses her journey as a policy influencer in Kansas City including pivotal women in her life who have inspired her along the way. 

Burnett and Williams additionally discuss happenings within the Missouri State House in Jefferson city — some of which include current bill proposals. The hosts also delve into details regarding the upcoming Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) School Board Election on April 8, from election day resources to absentee voting information. Parks-Shaw shares information regarding ballot question one, “Capital Improvements Sales Tax — Public Safety,” and what it could mean for Kansas City if passed. The school bond presentation and informational session, which Williams mentioned, will be held from 5 to 6 p.m., on Wednesday, April 2 at the Kansas City Public Library’s North-East branch in “Meeting Room A.” 

Music used within Women Speak episodes is a song called “Ready to Talk” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayala Scott. 

Ready to Talk is off of Honeybee’s first studio extended play (EP) record, “Saturn Return,” which was released in March 2024. Honeybee is currently preparing to release its latest single on March 28, “I Wish I knew You Then.” Honeybee tracks are available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music. 

*Disclaimer* Ready to Talk and any future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makalya Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent.