Extension Director for the City & County of Denver Parker McMullen-Bushman is tireless in her work to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across race and gender spectrums. Parker’s passion for equity and inclusion in the outdoors has grown over the course of her 23-year career in conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation.

Since becoming a member of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) in 2012, Parker has been a strong and consistent leader and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of interpretation. Since 2016, she has been a member of NAI’s Board of Directors. She currently serves as NAI’s Vice President for Programs and is the Chair of NAI’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee.

“NAI has been an important resource to me throughout my career and supported me in my goal of meaningful community engagement and creation of programming that is inclusive of the needs of diverse audiences,” Parker shared in describing her involvement in NAI.

A tireless champion for cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion

During the 2020 NAI virtual national conference held in November, she was awarded the 2020 President’s Award. The President’s Award can only be bestowed by the NAI President to acknowledge and reward service, leadership, and extraordinary initiative by an NAI member.

“Parker has been a tireless champion for cultural competency and NAI’s efforts to be the driving force in addressing the issues of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility within the profession of interpretation,” said NAI President Jay Miller. “She exhibits patience in the face of adversity, seeks to build understanding and community, and seems to always deflect praise to those around her. For all of the work Parker has devoted to making NAI a better, more inclusive organization, I am proud to present her with NAI’s 2020 President’s Award.”