Her Story
About Cheryl
Cheryl Parks is a dedicated professional whose career reflects adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to serving others. She began her career in the fashion industry as a ladies apparel buyer, working with independent boutiques along 7th Avenue as well as a major big-box retailer in the United States and abroad. She later expanded her professional interests into real estate development and management, building experience in property development and navigating the complexities of the industry since 1995.
Today, Cheryl has embraced a meaningful career pivot into substance use disorder support. As a CASAC-T and Substance Abuse Counselor with Substance Abuse Warrior, she is focused on supporting individuals and families affected by substance use challenges. Her approach is grounded in humanism, compassion, and understanding, particularly in addressing the shame and stigma that can prevent people from seeking help. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Cheryl is committed to making a positive impact within the city's substance use disorder community.
Cheryl's professional journey is shaped by persistence, mentorship, and a willingness to reinvent herself when opportunities for growth arise. She has pursued education at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Pratt Institute, including graduate studies in environmental studies, while continuing to develop her skills and interests. She has also been recognized with the Shirley Chisholm Award and supports causes focused on hunger relief, women's empowerment, racial equity, and youth mental health. Through her transition into substance use disorder counseling, Cheryl continues to demonstrate her passion for helping others and creating meaningful change in her community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cheryl
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to not giving up on my dreams and being willing to pivot when things aren't working out. I've pivoted from being a ladies' apparel buyer to a property developer to a substance abuse counselor. I believe in listening to mentors who see potential in you that you don't see in yourself, and I've always had people who believed in me and encouraged me to keep going.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is not to give up on your dreams and that it's okay to pivot to something smaller or different if things aren't working out. As women, we have many talents, and sometimes it's necessary to scale back or change direction rather than forcing something that isn't working.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To keep learning and not be afraid to pivot when necessary. We as women have many talents, and it's important to recognize when to go on a smaller scale or try something different rather than giving up entirely.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is obtaining financing, which was much easier in the 90s and 2000s. As a Black woman, there are barriers, and competition from people with tremendous amounts of money makes it hard for smaller developers like me. COVID also caused major setbacks with rentals and short-term stays.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Growing and challenging yourself to become better is important to me. I'm passionate about helping others and feeding America, ensuring no one in America goes hungry. I believe in resilience, not giving up, and always being willing to listen and help wherever I can.
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