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.

Representative 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 distinguished 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 Gaming Oversight, State Government and Urban Affairs Committees.

Since her election, Representative Parker has been proactive in supporting the enactment of progressive public policies for the benefit of Philadelphians and all Pennsylvanians. She has secured over $5.1M for capital projects and community organizations throughout the 200th District. Representative Parker also created the 200th Legislative District Economic Development Task Force, which has successfully delivered the necessary resources to maintain and enhance neighborhoods and commercial corridors throughout her region.

As a legislator who understands the importance of being held accountable for her actions, Representative Parker is committed to obtaining goods and services that will preserve and enhance the quality of life for her constituency. As a result, she has made an indelible mark in the 200th Legislative District and is well-known for “keeping the people first” and providing outstanding constituent services.

Representative Parker began to pursue her passion for public service at the tender age of 17. She became a volunteer for the Friends of the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC), a Community Development Corporation that spurred the revitalization of the West Oak Lane Community in which she was reared. Furthermore, Representative Parker also served for 15 years as a senior staffer for Philadelphia City Councilwoman Marian Tasco of the Ninth Councilmanic District. In this capacity, she oversaw the implementation of all economic and community development projects in the Ninth Councilmanic District and assisted with the development of local legislative initiatives. She is most noted for her role in the development of the toughest Anti-Predatory Lending Legislation in the nation and for overseeing the development of the $5.5M state of the art Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Center in Northwest Philadelphia. Representative Parker is also a Certified Secondary English Teacher, who taught at Pleasantville High School in New Jersey. There, she also taught English as a second language to immigrant children and adults.

Representative Parker has received numerous awards and recognitions on many occasions for her contributions to the community and her overall commitment to public service. These honors include, but are not limited to:

Award, Legends in Making, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter, 2007
Award, Frank “Tick” Coleman Outstanding Alumni, Lincoln University Alumni Association, 2007
Award, Envisioning the Dream – Black History Maker, Radio-One & Verizon, 2007
Selected, One of the Most Influential African Americans in Philadelphia, Philadelphia Tribune, 2007
Selected, Area's 101 Connectors, Leadership Philadelphia’s Connector Project, 2006
Award, Woman of Distinction, TEENSHOP Inc., 2006
Award, Movers & Shakers in Philadelphia, American Women’s Heritage Society, 2006
Award, David P. Richardson Future Leader, School District of Philadelphia, 2005
Award, Outstanding Community Service, Greater Philadelphia Asian Social Services, 2004
Certificate of Participation, Grace TEENSHOP of Germantown, 2004
Award, Outstanding Community Service, Philadelphia Youth Summit Committee, 1999
Certificate of Excellence, Lincoln University Alumni Association, 1998

In addition, she has academically achieved the following accomplishments:

Delegate to Australia, American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL), 2006
Executive Education Certificate, University of Virginia ~ Darden School of Business
Emerging Political Leaders Program (2006)
Bachelor of Science Degree, English Education, Lincoln University, Oxford, PA (1994)
Certification, Teacher of English, New Jersey Department of Education (1994)
Certificate of Completion, Law Education & Teaching Project, Temple University (1989)

Committed to the ideals of community involvement, political empowerment and progressive social change, Representative Parker is a Committeeperson and First Vice Chairwoman of the 50th Ward Democratic Executive Committee, which is amongst the highest voting regions of all neighborhoods in Philadelphia. She is also an active member of a plethora of boards and service-oriented organizations, which include, but are not limited to: Pennsylvania Women’s Campaign Fund; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter; 2000 African American Women; National Congress of Black Women, Philadelphia Section; and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Pennsylvania Chapter.

Representative Parker is humbled and honored to have the vote of confidence from the constituents of the 200th Legislative District. There is 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.

Representative Parker lives in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. She enjoys reading, traveling, cooking and spending time with family and friends during her leisure.