Daily Inspiration: Meet Lexi Ryan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lexi Ryan.

Lexi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Kansas City International Association of Business Communicators started more than 60 years ago as the Kansas City Industrial Editors, before joining the overarching IABC global network.

IABC enables communicators working in diverse industries and disciplines to identify, share and apply the world’s best communication practices. IABC is recognized as the professional association of choice for communicators who aspire to excel in their chosen fields.

KC IABC provides KC-area marketing and communications pros with monthly professional development, yearly events with big-name speakers, and a “Quills” awards ceremony, celebrating the best communicators in the region. Through this year-round engagement, KC IABC is an eight-time winner of IABC’s International Chapter of the Year award.

Though COVID halted plans for KC IABC, like everyone else, the chapter persevered and found ways to keep members engaged virtually through interactive content and speakers like Quinton Lucas, Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
KC IABC’s Quills awards used to be a well-known professional and black-tie event in Kansas City.

Through the years, it’s lost its spark, but had big plans for a return before COVID hit. Although it ran virtually in 2020, KC IABC wanted to pause its production on the event until the chapter could really celebrate the winners who have still worked hard over the past two years. The event is in the works to make a big comeback in 2023.

Also, with COVID, KC IABC struggled to find ways to keep members signed up. Financial struggles became a big concern during the pandemic, as everyone’s financial situations shifted. Currently, the chapter is working on fun speakers to bring everyone back together in person.

We have always had a missing piece with getting students involved in the chapter, especially. That’s when the student relations leg of the board was established. Attending career fairs and offering students scholarships landed KC IABC an IABC Chapter Management Award for engaging students & young professionals.

When the pandemic hit, various chapter leaders and members joined virtual panels with students at different universities to provide career guidance and insight. Right now, there is a mentorship plan in the works to pair students with seasoned professionals in their field.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
After graduating from Northwest Missouri State University with a degree in Public Relations, I started a job at the Kansas City Area Development Council, where managed relationships with the regional creative community, local media, marketing partners, subject matter experts, and influencers.

KCADC represents the 18-county region between Kansas and Missouri, bringing business and people to Kansas City. I had a crucial part in the brand development of the national identity for Kansas City, “KC Heartland,” which launched in 2019.

I left KCADC to work for Thinking Bigger Business Media, KC’s resource for small businesses, managing the communications, content, print, digital and more. In 2021, I began a job as Senior Communications Manager for H&R Block, where I work on the corporate communications team to communicate global consumer tax to the rest of the world.

I’ve been president of KC IABC since 2019, and am thankful for the opportunities it has given me, including being named a 2020 “Rising Star” award.

I believe what separates me from others is my energy. My tagline is, “A PR guru with a passion for connecting with others and maintaining those relationships.” I thrive on what other people are passionate about and what makes our community thrive. I love serving as a connection for others to give back in any way I can.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I work hard in activities outside of work that challenge my communications, networking, and presentation skills. I started dancing at Dance Fit Flow in 2017 to step outside of my comfort zone.

Doing this has brought me into the lightning bolt of energy that I am. I don’t shy away from creating big ideas. In 2021, I joined the Kansas City Canaries, a vintage chorus girls group that constantly gives me additional professional development skills.

I had no idea that doing something as simple as stepping out of my comfort zone in my personal life would help me so much in my professional career. I love the idea of being “uncomfortable.” I’m never done growing and learning, and I think that’s something we can all get from each other, no matter our age or career level.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://kciabc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kciabc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kciabc
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/KCIABC