Jennifer L. Parks
Executive Director
Windy City Habitat for Humanity

Jennifer Parks is Executive Director for Windy City Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing in the Chicago metropolitan area. As Executive Director, Ms. Parks oversees the day-to-day business operation and fundraising efforts for the organization. Windy City Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people from all walks of life to build simple, decent, affordable houses and to strengthen families and neighborhoods.

Ms. Parks has spent more than 17 years of her career working in a variety of roles for Habitat for Humanity. Beginning her career as a Help Line Assistant for Habitat for Humanity International in 1993, Ms. Parks has held several vital positions within the organization providing steadfast leadership and creating and implementing programs to help eliminate poverty in the United States and around the world. As Associate Regional Director in Texas and Pennsylvania, Ms. Parks provided training, consultation, fundraising, and support to dozens of local Habitat for Humanity affiliates.

Prior to becoming Executive Director for Windy City Habitat for Humanity, Ms. Parks was the Director of Program Delivery for Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity, where she managed an annual budget of $13 million and was responsible for the development and execution of domestic and international volunteer programs. Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity is a four-year, $125 million alliance between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International.

An active volunteer, Ms. Parks hopes to inspire others to join the effort in eliminating poverty housing and help transform lives, locally and globally. A graduate of Marquette University, Ms. Parks earned a Masters of Arts from Immaculata University. She currently resides on the Northside of Chicago.