MARIA PARKER, RECEIVES THIS YEAR'S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, ST. THOMAS MORE, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, PRO-LIFE AWARD. MARIA is the Mother of five and Grandmother of 9. She is married to Kenneth Parker of Cranston, RI. Maria is a graduate of Anna Maria College, Paxton and Venerini Academy in Worcester, MA. She earned her MBA degree in international management from the University of Rhode Isand. From 1992-1998, Maria served as Respect Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Providence. In that role she lobbied RI legislators and served as Diocesan spokeswoman on the issues of abortion, euthanasia and capital punishment. During that time, she also hosted a radio program for the Diocese for 3 years called “To Life” as well as a TV series entitled "Embrace Life". In 1998, Maria joined the staff of the MA Catholic Conference, as Project Director of a statewide education initiative on end of life issues and the threat of assisted suicide called “In Support of Life”. In 2000, Parker served the Massachusetts Catholic Conference as Associate Director for Public Policy, and then Interim Executive Director, lobbying on public policy issues of concern to the Catholic Church in MA. In MA she became a leading voice on issues related to life, marriage and family. In January 2000, she was invested as a Dame of Malta at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC. In October of 2006, Maria was given the prestigious “Professional Achievement Award “ from her alma mater, Anna Maria College. Having traveled extensively, Maria speaks 3 languages. From 1998-2007, she headed a team of representatives to the United Nations for the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) serving on their World Board. In 2011, Maria served as a member of the Holy See Delegation to the United Nations ‘ Commission on the Status of Women. Most recently, Maria is serving as Vice Chair of the Advisory Board to St. Pius Regional Academy, and as a member of the Respect Life Committee of St. Clare’s Parish. She continues to consult with and educate others on current issues involving life, marriage, religious freedom and the feminine genius.