With well over a decade of experience in the museum field, she has been recognized for her leadership in public history, museum education, and African American heritage preservation. Shakia earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Fisk University and has been honored by the American Association for State and Local History, the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, and the Association of Midwest Museums for her contributions to amplifying underrepresented narratives. 

Warren has held key leadership roles, including serving as the inaugural director of the African American History Initiative at the Missouri Historical Society, where she launched the conversation series, How Did We Get Here. Previously, as curator of exhibitions at the Banneker-Douglass Museum, she organized impactful exhibitions including Untold Stories: Athletes of Maryland’s Four Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

Warren’s north star is equity and the fostering of trust, honesty, and integrity in the workplace. She is a nationally recognized leader in museum education and community engagement, serving on the board of directors for the Association of African American Museums (AAAM) and as a cohort member of the AAAM and Howard University’s Advanced Executive Training Program.  

Warren won recognition in The St. Louis American’s "Salute to Young Leaders: 25 African American Leaders Under 40." She is a Focus St. Louis CORO Women in Leadership alumna and is an active member of the History Leadership Institute (formerly the Seminar for Historical Administration), the American Association for State and Local History, and the National Association for Interpretation as a Certified Interpretive Guide.  

She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and enjoys spending time with her husband, Gerald, and family and friends.