‘I’m part of the change.’
Why Chad Parker is heading back to school to strengthen our culture.
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Meet Chad Parker, a Senior Account Manager for Verizon Business, who supports our Indirect locations and is based out of Harlem, New York City. Originally from Philadelphia, Chad’s career journey reflects his commitment to both personal growth and supporting others.
“I’m a people person, and I absolutely love showing up for others,” Chad says. Inspired by the great leaders he admired in Philadelphia, he was motivated to push boundaries. “I looked around and thought, I’m a Black gay man, and I can do more, and I want to do more,” Chad explains. This determination led him to take a leap of faith: he walked into his manager Ashley’s office and told her he wanted to move to New York City.
In the Big Apple, Chad had his first experience working with a Black female store manager. “She broadened my horizons and showed me how to connect with people,” Chad says. Her mentorship was crucial in helping him build lasting connections that continue to guide him in his career.
Chad also highlights the importance of representation within the workplace. “It’s disheartening to look at an org chart and not see yourself represented.” He values that his leadership is dedicated to fostering real change.
Through Verizon's PRISM Employee Resource Group, Chad found yet another supportive community that helped him address his questions and advance his career. “I started as an active member and worked my way up to chair,” he says.
Inspired and determined to be a part of the change he yearned to see, Chad utilized Verizon's Tuition Assistance Program to head back to school to earn additional degrees in Human Resource Management and a certification in DEI.
Chad emphasizes the importance of making sure DEI efforts reach every layer of an organization. “Feeling seen, represented, and heard makes a huge difference. It makes you believe that things are achievable,” he says.
Click here for a transcript of the video.
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