In a September 2005 special election, Cherelle L. Parker made history by becoming the youngest African-American woman ever elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. As state representative for the 200th Legislative District, she represents approximately 60,000 residents in the Mount Airy, Chestnut Hill, Roxborough and Andorra sections of northwest Philadelphia.

Rep. Parker has earned a reputation for being one of the most results-oriented, politically savvy, and proactive legislators in the tri-state region. She is recognized for her strong analytical, strategic planning, and organizational skills. These capabilities have allowed her to successfully secure membership on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and also serve on the Consumer Affairs, Labor Relations, and Professional Licensure committees.

Since her election, Rep. Parker has been proactive in supporting economic development opportunities to benefit Philadelphians and all Pennsylvanians through legislative initiatives and local projects such as:

The State House passed legislation proposed by Rep. Parker to expand the life of the Keystone Opportunity Zone program, which will bring in an additional $1 billion in capital investments to help rebuild deteriorating sites across our Commonwealth. Rep. Parker has also created the 200th Legislative District Economic Development Task Force, which has successfully delivered the necessary resources to enhance neighborhoods and commercial corridors throughout our region.

Along with the Mount Airy Revitalization Corp. and other organizations, 19 pedestrian scale streets lights, 42 trees, tree lights and business awnings were installed on Wadsworth Avenue, which marked one of many projects supported by Rep. Parker to enhance the quality of life in the 200th Legislative District.

Rep. Parker led the fight against illegal handguns, along with five other state legislators from across the country, to develop a new coalition aimed at ending their use. She also urged the state House to pass an amendment requiring handgun owners to file a police report within three days of discovering their handguns are lost or stolen.

Rep. Parker also introduced legislation that would establish a permanent witness relocation program when there is credible evidence that a witness is in danger of being threatened or intimidated. In addition, due to the increasingly high rates of unemployment for nonviolent ex-offenders, Rep. Parker introduced legislation that would provide employers with an additional $500 tax credit for each job created for these ex-offenders.

Members of the state House unanimously adopted a resolution introduced by Rep. Parker, which recognizes and brings awareness to the special needs of children whose parents are incarcerated. This measure would help prevent truancy, juvenile delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse, which has been demonstrated among children with parents in prison.

Through the efforts of Rep. Parker, the state House passed legislation that would encourage consumers to buy energy-efficient appliances by waiving the state sales tax on those products during a specified period. Consumers would receive a discount on the initial cost of the appliances that could ultimately help them save money. Using these energy-efficient appliances could drastically reduce the state's dependence on foreign oil.

In the fall of 2009, Rep. Parker was selected to join the prestigious Eisenhower Fellows, of which retired Gen. Colin Powell serves as chairman. In 2010, as part of the fellowship’s "Women in Leadership" program, Rep. Parker traveled to Argentina and Chile and interacted with women in the South American political system. She focused on the following areas: understanding how elected officials use public policy to improve the quality of life for their constituency; learning how officials stabilize their communities by bridging the gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots”; and studying how they economically sustain their communities.

Committed to the ideals of community involvement, political empowerment and progressive social change, Rep. Parker is a committeeperson and first vice chairwoman of the 50th Ward Democratic Executive Committee. She is also an active member of a plethora of boards and service-oriented organizations, which include but are not limited to: Lincoln University Board of Directors; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Philadelphia alumnae chapter; 2000 African American Women; National Congress of Black Women, Philadelphia section; and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Pennsylvania chapter.

Rep. Parker is humbled and honored to have the vote of confidence from the constituents of the 200th Legislative District. There is a still a tremendous amount of work to be done, but the 200th Legislative District can find relief in knowing that Cherelle L. Parker has a seat at the table when important decisions are made regarding community projects, economic development and statewide legislative initiatives. She is dedicated to effectively using her voice to advocate for the passage of progressive public policies that will enhance the quality of life for senior citizens, women, children and families alike.

Rep. Parker is married to Benjamin Perry Mullins Jr. They live in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia. She enjoys reading, traveling, cooking and spending time with family and friends.