As a child, former Senator Shalonn “Kiki” Curls was an active member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City’s Thornberry Unit. She currently serves as Commissioner for Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. She was appointed by Governor Mike Parson in January of 2020. Just prior to her appointment, she served 14 years in the Missouri Legislature; 10 years as State Senator for the 9th District in Kansas City and four years in the Missouri House of Representatives.

During her tenure in the Missouri Senate, Senator Curls worked tirelessly on issues regarding economic development, affordable housing, quality healthcare, criminal justice reform, and education. Her ability to build consensus on both sides of the aisle allowed her to be an effective negotiator for significant pieces of legislation throughout her career and allowed the allocation of millions of dollars for worthwhile programs and initiatives throughout the State.

Senator Curls served in a number of leadership roles while serving in the state Senate. She served as Assistant Democratic Floor Leader (2013-2015, 2017-2020) and Democratic Caucus Chair (2015-2017); as well as serving as Ranking Member for a number of Statutory Committees, including Senate Budget Appropriations, Gubernatorial Appointments, Infrastructure & Public Safety, Agriculture, Small Business and Insurance.

Prior to her legislative duties, Senator Curls worked in real estate development and served over 20 years as 14th Ward Democratic Committeewoman in Kansas City. She is a graduate of St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City and the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is the proud mother of twins James and Michaela.