Shawn Stokes

Shawn L. Stokes is a dedicated public servant, advocate, and performer, currently serving as Executive Assistant & Scheduler to the Mayor of the City of St. Louis. Originally from Springfield, Missouri, Shawn brings a lifelong commitment to civic engagement and equality to his work in public administration, community organizing, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy.

He is experienced in strategic planning and execution, with a strong background in event and project management. Shawn has demonstrated leadership in team development and excels in driving operational efficiency through process optimization. He is committed to delivering exceptional constituent experiences and fostering strong relationship management, with a proven ability to communicate effectively across diverse stakeholders in support of organizational goals and community engagement.

With a deep passion for social justice, Shawn has spent much of his career amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. He previously served on the St. Louis Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Steering Committee as the Political Action & Community Engagement Chair (PACE), where he helped lead local efforts to advance LGBTQIA+ political and voter engagement. His work was nationally recognized with awards including the Membership Outreach Program of the Year, Five-Figure Fundraiser Award, Political Action & Community Engagement Trailblazer, and contributed to St. Louis HRC being named Steering Committee of the Year.

Today, he continues his advocacy as a proud board member of Pride St. Louis, Inc., working to celebrate and elevate the diverse spectrum of queer identities through meaningful events, education, and outreach.

Balancing his roles in public service and nonprofit leadership,  Shawn L. Stokes embodies a multifaceted approach to advocacy—one rooted in visibility, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to equality for all.