Kristin Parks ('02)
Executive Director, Show Hope
Kristin Parks loves working for an organization that actively makes a difference in the lives of children around the world.
“I have a passion for things that shouldn’t be,” she said. “And for me, I wholly believe no child should be without a family, and that’s what draws me to the work of Show Hope.”
Show Hope’s mission is to engage the church in orphan care and to ease the obstacles families face in adoption. Founded in 2003 by Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman, Show Hope has helped over 9,500 children from over 60 countries.
Parks, a 2002 Union graduate who has worked at Show Hope for six years, has spent the last three in the role of executive director where she oversees various program work, maintains relationships with donors and leads the staff, which constitutes much of her role.
“A big part of my job is the heart and culture of the team — spiritual oversight, leading devotions and fostering staff community,” she said.
Parks notes that Union prepared her for the early days of her career as an accountant, but Union also helped build her faith.
“Union helped lay a foundation where I could continue to learn and grow,” she said, noting that her faith and leadership also grew during her time on campus. Faith and leadership, she said, are important when working for a faith-based nonprofit.
Originally from Eldorado, Illinois, Parks first learned about Union from camp counselors in Panama City Beach and decided to attend after visiting with her best friend from Illinois. Weekly chapels, women’s Bible studies and core classes in both the Old and New Testament gave her solid biblical understanding and provided key elements for her personal growth.
“I cannot imagine where I would be without the foundation that Union provided me both as I prepared for a career but also in my character development,” she said.
In her current role, she sees the importance and usefulness of her time at Union. Not only with building the team culture but with helping families as they navigate the world of adoption.
Parks also counts it a privilege to serve alongside Show Hope founders Steven and Mary Beth Chapman.
“The Chapmans are the real deal,” she said. “They really are down to earth and deeply involved. [Show Hope] is not just something that sits on the corner.”
For Parks, that authentic example, combined with the foundation Union gave her, fuels her passion for Show Hope’s mission.
“We’re stepping into something that shouldn’t be and hopefully helping some children along the way,” she said.
