Liesl McLiney

Liesl McLiney brings a lifetime of passion, creativity, and fearless spirit to the stage! Born
and raised in Kansas City, Liesl spent 13 vibrant years in Hawaii working as an art gallery
manager, fashion model, actress, teacher, and Girl Scout leader. Upon returning home to
Kansas City, she continued her community mentoring as a Girl Scout leader and served as
the beloved "art lady" at Prairie Elementary, where she helped launch Art in the Garden in
1997—a cherished fundraiser that continues to thrive to this day.
A remarkably talented artist, Liesl expanded her creative endeavors while earning her
graphic design degree at Johnson County Community College (JCCC). Her artwork was
chosen to wrap the iconic Harvesters food bins campaign for decades, and her "Bundle of
Wheat" design continues to serve as their logo today. Deeply dedicated to local causes, she
has served on the committee for Bridge of Hope—a major fundraiser for Turning
Point—since its inception 25 years ago, even designing two of their signature invitations.
What began with Liesl and her family at the event's very first and only Mahjong table for
years, has blossomed into a sold-out annual tradition that is now 80% Mahjong tables!
A true pioneer in the gaming and social world, Liesl has taught Mahjong for over two
decades. Combining her design talents and expertise, she authored the very first how-to
book on original American Mahjong and launched @themahjongmoon on Instagram,
making her the very first Mahjong influencer in a space now filled with creators. She also
founded the Bamboo Club—a thriving social Mahjong poolside club with 200 members.
Known for her natural spiritual gift of party planning and gathering people together,
hospitality and community are at the very core of who she is.
Off the stage, she’s just as dynamic: an avid daily tennis player, urban farmer, canner,
hunter, and proud "chicken mom" of 18 years. Her competitive drive is well-proven—she
has captured a heck of a lot of tennis championships, competed in four demolition derbies
(winning one!), and reached the finals in the Tennessee Nashville Network country two-step
competitions.
Through every adventure and title—including her faith commitments as a Deacon,
Eucharistic Minister, and Commissioned Minister of Christ—Liesl’s artistic gifts are woven
deeply into her ministry. She designed and painted multiple fully immersive biblical scene
rooms at Country Club Christian Church, as well as their baptismal font, which over the past
25 years has welcomed perhaps a thousand people into Christ's love through baptism. Yet,
Liesl’s greatest strength comes from her husband, the incredible driving force and quiet
engine behind everything she does. His unwavering love and support allow her to shine
brightly in every endeavor. Together, their greatest accomplishment is their five successful,
God-loving children—4 out of 5 of whom are her best friends (much like the classic Colgate
commercials!)—and six talented, hilarious, adorable grandchildren.
Her decision to dance this year is deeply personal. Just two weeks before Louisa called
about the BMA event, Liesl nearly lost the love of her life when her husband survived a
massive heart attack with a 100% blockage. Knowing this gala was originally founded by a
family who lost a son suddenly Liesl felt a powerful calling, this was the exact moment to
step up and give back in gratitude for the miracle of keeping her husband.
Liesl is thrilled to put on her dancing shoes and bring everyone together for this incredible
cause, representing Bags of Fun KC and their mission to bring the power of play to children
fighting critical life threatening conditions. She invites you to join Team Liesl on the journey
to June—and with your support, cheering, and votes, bring home the win this summer!