We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Derri Parker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Derri, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
My defining moment came when I realized my career had come full circle. I started at Anna’s Place as a young student, never imagining that 16 years later I would return as the Administrative Assistant, supporting the same program that once poured into me. That experience taught me the power of community and how early guidance can shape your entire path. A similar full-circle moment happened with CrescentCare, I interned there in college, learning about outreach and public health, and now I’ve returned as an Outreach Coordinator. Standing in both spaces as staff instead of a student or intern made me understand that every step I took, even the small ones, was preparing me for where I am now. Those moments showed me that purpose often leads you back to where you started, but with a new sense of confidence, responsibility, and gratitude.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m someone whose career has grown directly out of the communities that raised me. I started at Anna’s Place NOLA as a young student, never knowing that years later I would return as the Administrative Assistant supporting the same program that helped shape me. That full-circle moment is one of the things I’m most proud of because it reminds me how far I’ve come and how important consistent support is for kids and families.
My path into public health began in college when I interned at CrescentCare, where I learned about community outreach, HIV and STD prevention, and what it truly means to meet people where they are. I didn’t realize then that the internship was preparing me for my future. Today, I’m back at CrescentCare as an Outreach Coordinator, helping provide education, resources, testing access, and support to communities that are often overlooked.
What sets me apart is that I’ve lived the experiences I now serve. I’ve been the student, the intern, the young adult looking for direction, and now I’m in the position to give back. Because of that, I lead with empathy, relatability, and a genuine connection to the people I work with. I want people to know that my work is rooted in purpose. Whether I’m helping families at Anna’s Place or coordinating outreach at CrescentCare, my goal is always to uplift and support others in the same way people once supported me, and to show that your beginnings don’t limit you, they guide you toward your purpose.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
think the most helpful thing outside of training or knowledge is having genuine compassion and patience. In this field, you work with people from all backgrounds, and everyone comes with their own story, challenges, and needs. Being able to meet people where they are, without judgment, makes a huge difference. Building trust, listening more than you speak, and staying adaptable are just as important as anything you learn in a classroom. Public health and community work move fast and things change constantly, so having a calm attitude, being flexible, and truly caring about the people you serve is what really helps you succeed.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Yes, I would choose the same path. Everything I’ve done in public health and community work has given me real-life experience, patience, and perspective that I couldn’t have learned anywhere else. These roles have taught me how to communicate, advocate, understand people, and navigate tough situations, and all of that is preparing me for law school. I’m grateful for the journey I’ve had because it’s shaping me into the kind of person and future attorney I want to be
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Derrimekhi
- Facebook: Derri Parker
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derri-parker-17b19b245
