As a certified educator, renowned public speaker, author, and minister; Nathalie Nelson Parker has the reputation of blazing new trails. By combining her passion for helping others with her entrepreneurial spirit, Nathalie has helped hundreds of young leaders, organizations, churches and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in developing transformational leaders and innovative programming.
Nathalie is redefining what it means to be a leader and woman of faith. Her messages spread throughout the world defying cultural, religious, gender, and socio-economic margins. Whether through her books, national initiatives, messages, or mentoring it only takes a few moments of connecting with her to understand her influence.
Nathalie has a unique way of reaching people who are seeking to identify their God-given purpose, maximize their lives, and transform the world.
IMPACTFUL
Born in Queens New York to two loving parents who migrated from Jamaica, Nathalie was no stranger to hard work and dedication. She began her journey as an exemplary student graduating with honors from Adelphi University and Columbia University. After leaving a 6-figure job to answer the call to full-time ministry, people thought she was crazy! However, within three years Nathalie and her husband Leon F. Parker, III were able to start a consulting business, begin national initiatives, and raised multiple 6-figure grants to help leaders develop and empower their communities.
As an inspirational and motivational speaker, Nathalie's focus is leadership development, innovative programming, diversity and inclusion as well as culturally responsive education. Nathalie has spent years speaking at college programs, conferences, churches and leadership training seminars. She uses the LIT principles; Lead. Innovate. Transform. to help others discover their purpose and design innovative approaches to lead and transform their lives and communities with proven strategies.
INSPIRING
In 2016, Nathalie launched the National Network of Young Adults (NNYA) an initiative that focuses on empowering young adults (ages 18-35) to discover their purpose and become transformational leaders. Since its conception NNYA has been successful at reaching and guiding hundreds of young leaders through national events, trainings, and partnerships with over 20 HBCU’s and campus ministries. The Leading In Transformation (LIT) Conference is its largest national gathering, touching the lives of young leaders. To learn more about ways that you can get involved with the LIT movement click
Nathalie has received many honors, including being recognized by The U.S. Department of Education’s White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities 2015-2016 HBCU All-Star Cohort, and she is a member of Theta Phi, an international scholastic honor society in the field of religion. She’s been recognized as Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. She is a commission Elder with the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church and holds leadership and advisory roles for various boards and non-profit organizations.
INTENTIONAL
She is the author of the children's picture book I Love my Future HBCU: Teaching Children about Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the resource guide Transformation Starts with Me: Bold Strategies for Innovative Leadership.
Of all of her accomplishments Nathalie is most proud of the life she and her husband, Leon, have built together. They are pastors, entrepreneurs, community activists and the loving parents of Leon F. Parker, IV.
