Nashville, Tennessee is where Nya Parker dedicates her energy as the Middle Tennessee Black Constituency Organizer at Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi. Nya’s connection to the communities she serves is deeply personal and rooted in shared experiences of marginalization and dismissal. Whether working with Black communities, students, LGBTQ+ individuals, or immigrant and refugee groups navigating systems not designed for them, Nya focuses on building spaces where people feel affirmed, resourced, and empowered.

Nya organizes not just for visibility, but for liberation, healing, and joy. Guided by relationships rather than checklists, Nya moves at the pace of trust to create lasting, sustainable change. Among Nya’s proudest achievements is serving as a site coordinator for Howard University’s Alternative Spring Break program for three years, an experience that deepened Nya’s commitment to community-centered organizing.

In her current role, Nya is spearheading the ‘Tribute to Doulas’ event and the Advocacy Bootcamp program, both designed to uplift community voices and build advocacy skills. For Nya, health equity and social justice mean honoring people’s full humanity, especially those told they don’t matter. Her commitment is to meet people where they are, stand alongside them, and co-create spaces where healing, joy, and power are not just possible but expected. Nya defines leadership as an ongoing journey: there’s always more work to do and more ways to deepen impact.