Director Parker is a University of Michigan graduate with a Juris Doctorate from the National Law Center at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  During the nearly ten years that Director Parker lived in Washington, D.C. she committed her time to serving and advocating for the disenfranchised, focusing specifically on homeless families and teenage mothers. 

Upon returning to Detroit, she continued her advocacy for social justice by serving as Chair of New Steps, an organization committed to providing services for economically disadvantaged new mothers in substance abuse recovery. Director Parker also served as a volunteer attorney with the Women's Justice  Center, where she provided legal counseling for women who were being physically and/or emotionally abused.

Since taking office Director Parker's top priorities have included efforts to combat housing discrimination, residential and school segregation, and vigorously promoting equal opportunity for all Michiganians.

She also has tackled the issue of affirmative action in Michigan - head on. While acknowledging new restrictions on affirmative action as a result of the passage of Proposal 2 in the November 2006 election, Director Parker remains an outspoken advocate for diversity at every level of both the public and private sector. Citing Michigan's rapidly changing demographics, she calls the promotion of diversity in our state both a moral and economic imperative.

Director Parker has been recognized and rewarded for her advocacy for social and racial justice since joining the Granholm Administration. She is the recipient of the 2005 Damon J. Keith Community Spirit Award. This award, named for the Honorable Damon J. Keith of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, recognizes lawyers who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to community service and champion the rights of others in the battle for social equality.   In addition, last year, Director Parker was one of six recipients of the 2006 Women of Achievement Award awarded by the Michigan Anti-Defamation League.  In April 2007, Parker was awarded "Professional Woman of the Year" by the Detroit Club National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. 

Recently, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights was awarded a 2007 Victims of Crime Act grant from the Crime Victim Service Commission to enhance victim support through its cultural competency programs.

A Detroit resident, Director Parker remains active in both the community at large through board and other volunteer service and within the legal community in Michigan.