Gladys Rodriguez-Parker
District Director for U.S. Rep. James McGovern, D-Mass.
Guest Speaker
Saturday, February 19, 2005
9 a.m.
Gladys Rodriguez-Parker is the District Director
for U.S. Representative James P. McGovern (3rd. Congressional
District), and was recently also given the title of Director
of Community and Intergovernmental Relations. She is the
first Latino woman to hold such a post in Massachusetts.
Born in Westfield, she spent her youth in Puerto Rico until
age 12, when she moved to South Boston and lived in the D-Street
projects. She later moved with her family to Worcester, attended
Worcester's public schools and became involved in community
service projects. She has lived in Worcester since her youth
and is known for her passion working on behalf of her community
and Latino issues.
A tireless worker, Ms. Rodriguez-Parker was one of the founding
members of the Worcester Working Coalition for Latino Students
(WWCLS) and has been a relentless advocate on behalf of educational
equity. Her work with the WWCLS has focused in the areas
of communication, community organizing, and development.
She has been an invaluable advocacy resource for the Latino
Education Institute at the Massachusetts State House. Her
credibility and passion for community issues has made her
one of the most respected community activists in the City
of Worcester.
Ms. Rodriguez Parker earned her Bachelor of Arts degree
in history and political science and a master's degree in
human services management from Worcester State College. She
has also studied at the Women in Higher Education Leadership
Institute of Wellesley College.
Ms. Rodriguez-Parker has served on the boards of many non-profit
organizations. She has substantial experience in the management
of non-profit agencies. She holds undergraduate and graduate
degrees from Worcester State College. She served as the Executive
Director of Centro Las Americas, which she transformed from
a $40,000 agency to a $500,000 operation that aids the economically
disadvantaged, immigrants, homeless individuals, the elderly,
women, and children.
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