Yolanda Parker

Yolanda "Cookie" Parker was the founder and President of KMS Software Company which specialized in software for Human Resources Departments. A visionary and authority in process automation, Parker began her career over 40 years ago with IBM. After leaving IBM, she continued her professional career as a Director at CGS and Vice President of Sales and Operations at NCS and CPR, before starting her own firm in 1994. In 1998, Parker developed the first paperless online solution in the nation, to automate the onboarding, crossboarding, and offboarding processes for Human Resource Departments, currently the fastest growing software application in the human capital management sector. She recently started The Parker Group, which is focused on matching companies with resources needed for success. Her current projects include a power plant in Ghana and two tech start-ups. Along with her business and professional accomplishments, Cookie's philanthropic activities include memberships on the Board of People for the American Way, Real Medicine Foundation, and Find-A-Tree. Cookie has also raised substantial funds for brain cancer research at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; and is a member of Women Presidents' Organization in Los Angeles. Cookie served on President Obama's National Finance Committee for both 2008 and 2012 campaigns; was a National Co-Chair for Technology for Obama, and is now working with Organizing for Action. An entrepreneur, community and political activist, Cookie is married to Fred Parker and is the mother of two. She received her BA and MA from NYU