Cara Parker
Director of Charitable Giving & Community Investments, CCVI
Houston, Texas, United States
Professional Overview
Cara Parker is an accomplished non-profit and strategy professional with over 10 years of experience driving impactful community investments and philanthropic initiatives. As the Director of Charitable Giving & Community Investments at CHRISTUS Health (CCVI), she leverages her expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and program management to deliver measurable social impact.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Director of Charitable Giving & Community Investments at CCVI, Cara is responsible for overseeing the organization's charitable giving and community investment programs. In this role, she collaborates closely with internal and external stakeholders to identify strategic philanthropic opportunities, allocate funding, and monitor the progress and outcomes of CCVI's community initiatives. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its impact within the Houston region, contributing over $5 million in grants and investments to support local non-profits, community programs, and health-related causes.
Career Progression
Prior to joining CCVI, Cara served as the President and CEO of The Landing - Houston, a non-profit organization focused on youth empowerment and community development. In this role, she led a team of 25 employees and managed a multi-million dollar budget, overseeing the implementation of innovative programs and partnerships that positively impacted the lives of thousands of individuals. Before that, Cara held various strategy and consulting roles at Accenture, where she honed her skills in strategic planning, data analysis, and project management.
Academic Background
Cara holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Health from the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated with honors. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Rice University, with a focus on non-profit management and social impact.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic Philanthropy and Community Investments
- Non-profit Management and Governance
- Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development
- Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation
- Data-driven Decision Making and Impact Measurement
- Cross-functional Collaboration and Project Management
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Cara has demonstrated a strong commitment to driving positive social change. At The Landing - Houston, she spearheaded the development of a comprehensive youth empowerment program that provided educational resources, job training, and mentorship to underserved communities, resulting in a 25% increase in high school graduation rates and a 20% reduction in youth recidivism rates within the organization's target areas.
At CCVI, Cara has been instrumental in expanding the organization's community investment portfolio, securing over $3 million in grant funding to support local non-profits focused on healthcare access, food security, and economic development. Under her leadership, CCVI has established strategic partnerships with over 20 community-based organizations, leveraging their collective expertise and resources to address pressing social issues in the Houston region.
Conclusion
Cara Parker is a visionary leader and strategic thinker who is dedicated to leveraging the power of philanthropy and community investments to create lasting, positive change. Her extensive experience in the non-profit and strategy sectors, combined with her commitment to data-driven decision making and stakeholder collaboration, make her a valuable asset to CCVI and the communities it serves.
