Ronnette Parker’s (she/her/her’s)  passion centers on youth development and cultural integration. Ronnette has worked for over 15 years with Kingston, NY youth and families as a family counselor at Head Start. As a native of Kingston, NY rooted with multiple generations, her life’s devotion focuses on helping disadvantaged families including BIPOC, low income households, and the homeless. Ronnette is a skilled educator who instills life and self elevation skills using creative object lessons to motivate thought and engender the desire to achieve dreams outside set limitations. As a leader in her local education justice movement, she teamed with the Alliance for Quality Education (AQE) in conducting education visioning sessions across New York State as a representative of the Hudson Valley. In 2020, Ronnette joined the US representative of New York’s 16th congregational district, Jarnaal Bowman, to present the findings of these sessions to over 250 families within the school district of Ulster County.

More to know about Ronnette, she is the mother of seven children, and the young grandmother of four! She prides herself with bringing the same energy, love, and dedication of home to all those entrusted in her care. Ronnette embodies a life of learning and is a testament to overcoming challenges with an abundant spirit of compassion and generosity. Ronnette is a blessed dictionary of life navigational skills that she offers freely to help guide youth for their success. When she’s not aiding youth in discovering their joy, you might find her assisting at the food pantry, or busy with colorful handwork.