“My professional relationship with Ryan Schuessler began when my tribe, the Meskwaki, were brought in as collaborators on a Chicago Field Museum project that included an overhaul of the North American Hall. This process has taken three years to complete and Ryan, as Exhibition Developer, has guided the collaboration throughout the entirety of the project. Acting as the go-between for us tribal members and the Museum is not an easy role. It requires dedication, patience, consistency, relationship building and a kind of understated deftness to ensure that the tribal collaborators are consulted for their input and consent at each stage of the project development. I came to trust Ryan and value his steadiness. When navigating a complicated project with many stakeholders, personalities and agendas, it can be challenging. Not only did I know that Ryan would be there every step of the way to help climb that mountain, I also came to enjoy our meeting because it feels good to know that someone is there that you can depend on.”
-Shelley Buffalo, former Director of the Meskwaki Food Sovereignty Initiative

“I collaborated with Ryan on the publication of two edited anthology collections—one focusing on the city of St. Louis and the other on the LGBTQ experience in middle America. Throughout each project, Ryan was always professional, communicative, creative, and punctual (which is rare in publishing!). A true joy to work with.”
-Dan Crissman, former editor at Belt Publishing

“There are some reporters and writers who take care with their subjects and develop trust that is essential to both journalism and storytelling. There are some who have a flair for compelling narratives and drawing in readers. Ryan is exceptional because he does both. I had the pleasure of being his editor on many stories about immigration and culture and was thrilled by not only his ambition but his ability to tell stories with grace and on deadline. If you have a chance to work with Ryan on a story that is important to you, or to the communities you serve, I highly recommend it.”
-Angilee Shah, former editor at Public Radio International

“An overeducated writer.”
-My grandma