028 Learn, Lead and Lift with Melissa Parker

Special guest, Melissa Parker joins the Learn, Lead and Lift Podcast. Melissa Parker is a Registered Nurse, business owner, artist, sports enthusiast, and advocate who has a genuine love for bringing people together. She and her husband, Ted live in Florida and have two children, son, Brendan and daughter, Carson.  In 2015 Melissa and Ted founded their non-profit, The Parker Foundation for Autism and Child Development, to provide free resources to children and families impacted by autism and special needs, families like their very own. Melissa developed The Parker Foundation’s “Be a Buddy” initiative which includes their annual #BeABuddy5K race and Family Health and Fitness Expo as a platform for bullying prevention and to give student volunteers the opportunity to connect with special needs children in hopes of crushing barriers and encouraging young leaders to embrace diversity to help build a kinder, more understanding and inclusive world for all.  Melissa is the host of the #TogethernessTeam Women’s Edition Podcast and social media initiative. She was awarded the “Shree Saini Best Non-Profit” at the Global Beauty Awards in April 2023. Melissa is the reigning America’s Most Beautiful Mrs. Southeast 2023 and loves that pageantry empowers women of all ages through service, sisterhood and self-development.   Hear how Melissa uses her strengths and passions to create a loving and more understanding community for children with autism and special needs and their families. Melissa shares how her love of inclusivity and sports build up youth and families, helping them live life to the fullest.   Let’s Learn, Lead and Lift together. Connect with Melissa   www.instagram.com/mrs.melissaparker www.facebook.com/mrsmelissaparker