PAXTON, Mass. – Maria Nigro Parker of Westerly, class of 1962, was honored with the Outstanding Professional Achievement Award by Anna Maria College.
Parker’s extensive knowledge of Catholic social teaching and its application to public policy equipped her, as associate director for public policy for the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, to represent the bishops of the Commonwealth in testimony before the legislature on pending legislation. She also made frequent presentations to members of the media on the Catholic vision of the human being as central to public policy issues.
Prior to her work in Massachusetts, Parker served as the Respect Life Director for the Diocese of Providence, R.I. During that time, she hosted a radio program as well as a television series for the diocese entitled “Embrace Life.” For many years, Parker was the head of a delegation representing the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations to the United Nations. She also was a member if its board.
In 2003, she served as moderator of a panel that included Kofi Annan, former U.N. secretary general, at the U.N. presented by the Holy See Mission. Currently, she is a member of the National Council of Catholic Women and International Catholic Organizations. In January 2000, she was invested as a Dame of Malta.
