Hey Ms. Parker

Not  everything you notice deserves a reaction. That becomes harder when you know you’re right, when a line has been crossed, or when the truth would be easy to say and satisfying to deliver. Experience teaches something pride never does: most arguments are more expensive than they’re worth. Growth is recognizing the play and choosing not to enter it. You can understand what’s happening without participating. You can see clearly without having to explain yourself. You can let people misunderstand you and still move forward unaffected. Silence is not the absence of awareness. It’s a decision about where your energy belongs. Every unnecessary response shifts attention away from what actually matters. Every emotional reaction gives someone else influence over your time, your focus, and your peace. At a certain stage, those things are non-negotiable. People will show you who they are without your involvement. Let them. The work is not to respond. The work is to adjust. Stillness is not...

In an industry where trust determines whether communities access critical care, one Atlanta-based executive has built a career on precision, discipline, and strategic communication under pressure. Tangela Q. Parker has spent years helping healthcare organizations navigate environments where credibility and equity are not optional, but operational imperatives. As Senior Vice President of External Affairs at Planned Parenthood Southeast, Parker oversees marketing and communications, public affairs and advocacy, development and engagement, and community partnerships across multiple states. Her role requires balancing visibility with long-term credibility in spaces where access to care, public trust, and regulated discourse intersect. Parker’s professional background bridges nonprofit leadership and some of the nation’s most influential healthcare corporations. Her corporate experience includes leadership roles at several of the largest organizations in the sector, including Centene Corpor...

  As we step into Thanksgiving, I’ve been thinking about what authentic leadership looks like when the noise is loud and the work is demanding. It’s never just the title. It’s the discipline, the clarity, and the gratitude you carry with you. I’m grateful for the teams who show up with commitment, focus, and genuine care, even on the hard days. I’m grateful for the partners and advocates who continue pushing for equity and access across our communities. And I’m grateful for the grounding moments that remind me why this work matters, especially now. Leadership isn’t proven by volume. It’s proven by steadiness. By how you show up. By how you treat people. By how you stay aligned with your purpose when everything around you is shifting. I’m wishing everyone a peaceful Thanksgiving, one filled with rest, clarity, and the kind of perspective that brings us back to what truly matters.

People are losing their SNAP benefits, and too many are responding with silence or judgment. Food insecurity isn’t a character flaw; it’s a crisis of circumstance. One layoff, one medical bill, one unexpected setback can change everything, and when it does, survival shouldn’t depend on shame. SNAP and WIC were never about handouts. They were created to keep families fed and children healthy when life falls apart. That’s humanity, not charity. You are not better than someone on welfare - just luckier. Leaders and policymakers should remember: dignity isn’t a privilege. It’s a responsibility. #SNAPBenefits  🎨Liberal Jane Illustration

I  don’t chase happiness anymore. I’ve learned to recognize it in the quiet spaces between moments, the early mornings, the peace after a hard decision, the calm that follows choosing grace instead of reaction. There was a time when everything had to be seen. Success had to look a certain way, and fulfillment felt tied to validation. But over time, I’ve realized that happiness isn’t a reward for achievement. It’s what’s left when you stop performing and start being present. True happiness lives in the stillness, after the noise fades. It shows up when you survive what was meant to break you, when you stop explaining yourself, and when you protect your peace like it’s part of your purpose. Rebuilding isn’t about starting over; it’s about standing stronger. It’s about honoring who you are right now, even while you’re still becoming. I used to think happiness was somewhere ahead of me. Now I know it’s been here all along, waiting for me to slow down and notice it.

  Authentic leadership doesn’t always announce itself. More often, it shows up in quiet strength, in consistency, restraint, and the courage to stay grounded while others chase attention. Leadership isn’t defined by public recognition. It’s measured in private moments, in the decisions no one sees, the accountability that doesn’t trend, and the steadiness that holds when pressure mounts. The most effective leaders don’t perform strength; they practice it. In external affairs and beyond, people often confuse visibility with influence. But real impact happens behind the scenes, in difficult conversations, disciplined focus, and the refusal to be distracted by noise. Quiet leadership isn’t silence. It’s self-control. It’s the confidence to let results speak before words do. There are seasons when restraint is mistaken for passivity. Let them misunderstand. Grounded leaders don’t need to prove their power; they live it. The leader who listens longer, observes more deeply, and remains u...

Leadership in women’s health means amplifying research, equity, and representation. Proud to see that in action at the Black Women in Clinical Research Conference. Too often, the conversation about women’s health leadership focuses on access and advocacy, both essential, but leaves out a critical piece of the story: representation in science itself. The Black Women in Clinical Research Conference reminded me that true progress occurs when women who’ve been excluded from research, leadership, and decision-making positions are finally shaping the data, driving innovation, and leading conversations about care. Black women are not only subjects of health data; we are producers of knowledge, innovators, and bridge builders. Our lived experience, cultural insight, and community relationships strengthen the integrity and relevance of women’s health research. That’s the story too few people tell. As leaders, we have an obligation to ensure that every study, every policy, and every program refl...

  When Tangela Q. Parker walks into a room, her presence speaks before she does. There’s a calm authority to her — the kind that comes not from title, but from time. Twenty-plus years shaping narratives building teams, and championing equity in boardrooms across the healthcare industry have prepared her for this moment — one that merges purpose with power. Planned Parenthood Southeast (PPSE) has officially named Parker as its new Senior Vice President of External Affairs , a move signaling not only a bold evolution in the organization’s external strategy, but a deepened commitment to advocacy, access, and representation across Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. A Defining Appointment for a Defining Moment This is not just another leadership transition. This is a strategic shift. As reproductive rights face unprecedented challenges across the South, PPSE’s decision to place Parker — a seasoned executive with both corporate acumen and community soul — at the helm of its external affa...

Dreams  don’t care if it’s Saturday, and meaningful work doesn’t always wait for Monday. As professionals, leaders, and changemakers, we often postpone our vision, waiting for the right moment, the perfect plan, or external validation.  But here’s the truth: remarkable lives aren’t built through grand gestures. They are built through intentional, courageous actions, one small choice at a time. This weekend, give your goals the attention they deserve, not full time, just focused, purpose-driven time. Start here: - Outline that idea you’ve been sitting on. - Take one strategic step forward. - Make the call that could change your future. - Explore a new skill. - Reach out to a potential collaborator. - Plant the first seed of your next chapter. Saturday isn’t a pause; it’s a platform, a space to create, not just consume. To build, not just browse. To lead yourself before you lead others. So today, build, begin, and be bold. What will you start this Saturday?

When you're in the middle of a storm, it feels endless, overwhelming, and unfair. But looking back, those struggles often become the most defining chapters of our journey. This morning, I reflected on Albert Camus' powerful words: “One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful."  Not because the pain itself is beautiful, but because of the resilience, growth, and wisdom it forces us to develop. Every challenge you face today is shaping the leader, innovator, and stronger version of yourself you will become.  The discomfort? It’s growth in motion.  The setbacks? They’re setting the stage for your breakthrough. Instead of fearing the struggle, embrace it, learn from it, and use it as fuel. One day, you’ll look back and realize that it was never breaking you; it was building you.

 As someone who has battled the challenges of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and fibroids, my journey towards fitness and holistic well-being has been nothing short of transformative. Through the 75 Soft program, I found a path to physical strength, mental resilience, and self-empowerment. Embarking on the Journey It all began when I was diagnosed with PCOS and fibroids, conditions that not only took a toll on my physical health but also impacted my self-esteem and overall quality of life. Finding a sustainable solution seemed daunting, yet the 75 Soft program appeared a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty. Understanding 75 Soft The 75 Soft Challenge is a fitness regimen and lifestyle overhaul encompassing physical activity, nutrition, mindfulness, and personal development. By focusing on consuming adequate water, following a structured diet, exercising daily, reading, and refraining from junk food and alcohol, the program aims to instill discipline and holistic well-being. Ris...

In the dynamic realm of business, where rapid decisions are the norm and intense pressure is constant, the concept of servant leadership might seem like a challenging choice. Typically, high-pressure situations require authoritative leadership styles that emphasize quick decisions rather than empathy and teamwork. Yet, it's worth considering if the value of servant leadership has been overlooked in these challenging contexts. Servant Leadership:  The Unlikely Champion For those striving for results-driven success, servant leadership might appear as a soft approach that caters to the emotional needs of younger generations. Critics argue it lacks the edge for rapid decision-making in high-stakes environments, often called "crucibles." Yet, in my experience, servant leadership emerges as a potent force in these crucibles. By nurturing trust, empathy, and empowerment, servant leaders can cultivate resilient, innovative, and capable teams under pressure. Empathy and Empowermen...

In the fast-paced world of leadership, the elusive quest for work-life balance often seems like a mirage, forever out of reach. With their complex roles spanning global responsibilities and strategic decision-making, executives are engulfed in the constant demands of work and personal life. However, the myth of imbalance can be debunked. Executives can find balance and thrive by adopting a deliberate approach to managing both spheres of life. Define Success on Your Terms Defining success on your terms is the cornerstone of achieving work-life balance as a leader. Rather than being solely driven by external benchmarks like professional accomplishments or financial gains, it's crucial to introspect and identify what success means personally. Success could entail the freedom to prioritize family time, emotional resilience to navigate work challenges or a blend of both. The definition of success evolves with career progress and life changes, underscoring the importance of aligning dail...

In the ever-evolving realm of content creation, standing out and making an impact has become a top priority for professionals aiming to captivate their audience. To achieve this, one must embrace bold strategies that push boundaries and resonate with the target demographic on a deeper level. Are you ready to unleash your creativity and strategic prowess? Let's delve into the best practices for crafting bold content that leaves a lasting impression. 1. Establish a Solid Foundation The journey to bold content creation begins with a strong foundation. Before embarking on any creative endeavor, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of your brand, audience, and objectives. By delving deep into these core aspects, you equip yourself with the necessary insights to tailor your content effectively. Renowned marketer Seja wisely advises, "Know thy brand, audience, and goals." 2. Dive into the Minds of Your Audience Understanding your audience is the cornerstone of crafting co...

In the hustle and bustle of my personal and professional life, I got caught up in the never-ending to-do lists, deadlines, and meetings, neglecting my mental and physical health. My journey of self-evolution is profound, requiring dedication, resilience, and a commitment to creating magic within ourselves. For the past 35 days, I have embarked on an incredible journey of self-discovery, undertaking the 75 Soft Fitness program. What I discovered is transforming my physical appearance and igniting a profound shift in my mental landscape. The results were beyond amazing—they are life-altering. The 75 Soft Fitness program is not just another fitness regimen; it's a lifestyle overhaul designed to challenge your physical and mental fortitude. The program consists of adhering to a set of rules for 75 days straight: One 45 Minute Workout Follow a Diet Plan Drink 1 Liter of Water Read 10 Pages Take Progress Pictures (Optional) No Cheat Meals or Treats Daily Self Reflection/Meditation While...