Gladys Rodriguez-Parker ’84, M.S. ’96

MAJORS: History/Political Science, Human Services Management
PROFESSIONAL; Retired from Office of Congressman James P. McGovern after 28 years of service
VOLUNTEER; Worcester Community Action Council Board of Directors
Dr. Martin Luther King Breakfast Committee
Latino Education Institute

Worcester State University prepared the daughter of farmers and migrant workers with the skills and knowledge that would take me into powerful spaces. I used those spaces and opportunities to speak loudly, act and help others. I will continue to stay in the arena making “good trouble.”

I’m passionate about the power of education and truly believe that once you obtain it no one can take it away from you. I’m inspired by civic and community engagement as a means for individuals to work together for the betterment of the whole. I have also been inspired by my family and those who paved the way so that I could walk through! I was a single mother of two boys. Worcester State gave me space and a strong foundation and believed in my capacity to move forward. As long as I was willing to put in the work, Worcester State had my back.