FOUNDER
April Parker
April Parker is a distinguished Army veteran, accomplished business executive, and creative entrepreneur dedicated to empowering communities and impacting lives. With a career spanning three decades, she has left an indelible mark in the realms of business and social impact.
April’s journey began with her service in the U.S. Army, where she earned several awards and medals in recognition of her outstanding contributions. As a service-connected disabled veteran, she remains steadfast in her commitment to serving vulnerable populations, reflecting her resilience and unwavering dedication. Her upbringing in economically disadvantaged communities deeply influenced her desire to effect positive change. After her military service, she pursued an entrepreneurial path, founding nationally recognized brands that address real-world issues faced by everyday people. Her entrepreneurial success underscores her visionary leadership.
April’s journey began with her service in the U.S. Army, where she earned several awards and medals in recognition of her outstanding contributions. As a service-connected disabled veteran, she remains steadfast in her commitment to serving vulnerable populations, reflecting her resilience and unwavering dedication. Her upbringing in economically disadvantaged communities deeply influenced her desire to effect positive change. After her military service, she pursued an entrepreneurial path, founding nationally recognized brands that address real-world issues faced by everyday people. Her entrepreneurial success underscores her visionary leadership.
After several successful business exits, and driven by her passion for addressing disparities in marginalized communities, April founded the April Parker Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to remove barriers to equitable access to resources and supportive services, enhancing the health, social, and economic outcomes of underserved communities. Through the foundation, April offers supportive services and community programs, providing essential resources, advocacy, and culturally engaging services that profoundly impact countless individuals and families.
April’s upbringing in affordable housing has fueled her dedication to addressing homelessness. She is an emerging real estate developer with affordable housing developments in her pipeline. She is a graduate of the National Development Council’s (NDC) Supporting Empowered Emerging Developers (SEED) Real Estate Developers Academy. Her unwavering commitment to revitalizing and investing in communities extends to her work in real estate development, where her vision is to create affordable, sustainable, inclusive spaces that uplift and empower communities.
With degrees in Business and Law and over 20 years of experience in Contracts Law, April possesses the knowledge and expertise needed to navigate contracts, grants, and compliance, driving meaningful change. As the Executive Director of the April Parker Foundation, she actively collaborates with her community advisory committee to develop impactful programs and initiatives, aligning her efforts with community needs. April’s dedication to improving lives is further evident through her involvement in several community-focused boards.
In her personal life, April, along with her husband John, serves as proud foster and adoptive parents, providing a loving home for children in need. Together, they have seven daughters, two bonus sons, and are blessed with eleven grandchildren, exemplifying their unwavering commitment to family and community.
April Parker is a dynamic and inspiring public speaker, regularly addressing audiences on “Investing in People: A Journey to Social Return on Investment.” Her powerful message encourages individuals and organizations to recognize the profound impact of investing in the well-being of others. Her insights into creating positive social change through intentional community investments resonate with audiences.
April Parker’s life story exemplifies the transformative power of dedication, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference. Her unwavering belief in the potential of individuals and communities serves as an inspiration to all fortunate enough to hear her speak and engage with her work.
Join Our Mission
The April Parker Foundation removes barriers to equitable access to resource and supportive services to improve the health, social and economic outcomes of the underserved communities.