Biography of Shirley W. Ryan

Mrs. Ryan is a long-time advocate for persons with physical and sensory issues. With expert knowledge and counsel, she co-created and inspired Pathways Center (1985), a best-practices outpatient pediatric treatment center for infants and children, to unlock their physical and sensory movement abilities. She has been appointed by two United States Presidents to the National Council on Disability in Washington, and served for nine years on the council, which advises the President and Congress on issues of disability. Mrs. Ryan has served as chair and executive committee member of the Chicago Community Trust and serves on its Committee for Persons with Disabilities Fund.

Mrs. Ryan holds boards of trustees or executive committee positions which include Notre Dame University, the Chicago Council on Global Relations, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Alain Locke Charter Academy in Chicago, the Foundation of Education, and WTTW.

For her deep commitment and passion which empowers her to action, Mrs. Ryan has received multiple awards, including the Northwestern University Service Award, the Harvard Club of Chicago Statesman of the Year Award, and the Kids Count Award from Voices of Illinois Children.