Paris Nelson

About Paris Nelson

I am a dedicated social impact leader with a deep commitment to centering lived experiences and community voices in all aspects of my work. As the first in my family to graduate from both high school and college, my personal journey fuels my passion for fostering healthy, well-resourced communities, particularly for those from underrepresented and under resourced backgrounds. Growing up in the rural South, I experienced firsthand the struggles of generational poverty and the power of education as a transformative tool. These experiences have shaped my unwavering dedication to creating opportunities that empower others to break through systemic barriers and change systems of oppression.Throughout my career, I have successfully cultivated broad partnerships and secured over $1 million in grant funding to support equity focused education, maternal health, environmental justice, business development and entrepreneurship, food access, nonprofit capacity building, and arts, culture, and heritage initiatives, both in the U.S. and abroad. I have also played a key role in strategic development, enhancing data collection and analysis processes to inform decision-making and aligning programs with organizational priorities through cross-departmental coordination.My approach is rooted in social justice and community cultural wealth, where I emphasize not only the necessity of systemic change but also the inherent value and strengths of our Communities of Color. In my work, I have successfully elevated organizational voices in policy discussions, advocated for community needs in policy landscapes, and worked alongside community advisory committees to ensure that the voices of those we serve are heard and respected. I believe that true equity can only be achieved when solutions are sourced, led, and designed by the people they serve.I am passionate about putting people first, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that our communities reach their fullest potential. I am honored to contribute to this vital work and to stand alongside the incredible individuals and cultures that make up the vibrant community I serve.

Experience

1. Strategic Advisor

   Seattle Parks and Recreation

   Sep 2025 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Strategic Advisor with Seattle Parks & Recreation, co-leading the Park CommUNITY Fund to advance equity driven, community-led capital projects.

Education

• University of Kentucky

  Master of Arts - MA

• University of Montevallo

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Skills

• Land Use
• Legal Assistance
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Fundraising
• Local Government
• Public Policy
• Administrative Law
• Community Outreach
• Legislative Relations
• Policy
• Government Contracting
• Legal Research
• Contract Negotiation
• Hearings