Host Ashlee Eason and Dr. Marla A. Parker (@itsjustmarlaa ) discuss her career path, definitions of success and the tips/motivators she used along the way!! Dr. Parker is an educator, consultant, and public administration scholar whose work focuses on teaching, strategy, equity, collaboration, and community-centered change. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Cal State LA, where she teaches undergraduate political science and graduate public administration courses and serves as MPA Director and Advisor. In the classroom, her work is grounded in helping students connect theory to practice, build confidence as emerging public service professionals, and see their education as a tool for meaningful change in their communities. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Parker has developed and co-founded initiatives that extend learning into applied public service and community impact. She is the co-founder of the Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator and Fellowship, known as LEEAF, which supports equity-centered work connected to community and economic development. She also co-founded the California State Innovation Group, or CaSIG, which creates opportunities for students and emerging professionals to engage in applied research, consulting, and problem-solving around public sector and community challenges. Dr. Parker also brings a consulting lens to her work with organizations, programs, and teams navigating questions of collaboration, leadership, equity, strategy, and organizational change. Across her teaching, advising, consulting, and community-engaged work, she is especially interested in helping people and organizations move from ideas to action in ways that are thoughtful, practical, and grounded in real-world context. Her work is guided by a commitment to public service, inclusive leadership, and creating spaces where students, communities, and organizations feel equipped to lead, collaborate, and contribute with purpose. Check out LEEAF here: / leeaf.la Marla suggested this book https://a.co/d/033cKE9X by her colleague / drportiapreston to help us be well. If you’re interested in being a guest on the show or know someone who has a great story sign up using this link: https://calendar.app.google/5jDr3mf3H... If you’re a podcaster & need an editor or a musician & need your new album or single mixed, please hit up MY GRAMMY Nominated Engineer @b_cuz on IG, the DM’s are open! Originally recorded June 30, 2026
