Dr. Parker is a professor, academic researcher, consultant and author with nearly 20 years of success in the public and private sectors. Her broad areas of expertise include academic research, social responsibility, diversity, inclusion, teaching, STEM policy, community outreach, conflict management, and strategic planning. Throughout her career, Marla has held teaching and research positions at top academic institutions including California State University-Los Angeles, Arizona State University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. In addition, Marla is a co-founder of the Civic and Social Innovation Group at California State University-Los Angeles, which promotes creative approaches to social change. As a teacher and academic researcher, Marla has developed new approaches to leadership development and employee training. She has co-authored and contributed to over 30 publications, conference proceedings, and trainings. She also assists small nonprofits and startups focused on launching and leading social responsibility, diversity, inclusion, change management, strategic planning, and public/private alignment initiatives. Marla holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, as well as master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago (both in public administration). She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Arizona State University’s Center for Organizational Research and Design.