Toby Parks

Dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience in community outreach and engagement at the Andrew Goodman Foundation and Pace University. Skilled in digital media and strategic communications, I effectively promote civic participation and foster inclusive environments, driving initiatives that empower students and enhance their civic awareness.

Participated in community service initiatives throughout all four years at Pace through the Center for Community Action and Research, supporting organizations such as GMHC and the SAGE Harlem Garden. At SAGE, greeted and directed 30–40 visitors daily to ensure their needs were met and organized, packaged, and distributed meal packs to support community members. Contributed to service projects centered on food access, community care, and support for LGBTQ+ elders, demonstrating a sustained commitment to direct service and civic engagement.

LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency Training within Senior Living Facilities
Researched and authored a 34-page dossier evaluating the effectiveness of LGBTQ+ cultural competency training in senior living facilities and advocating for its broader implementation to better support the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults.

Advocating for the Removal of Hostile Designs in New York City
Produced a 23-page dossier analyzing hostile architecture in New York City, identifying key stakeholders and harms, and developing a nonviolent campaign strategy to challenge the systems perpetuating injustice against unhoused communities.

Queer Dialogue as Resistance: Intergenerational Knowledge Sharing as an Activist Tool
Designed and conducted a senior capstone research project examining intergenerational knowledge-sharing in LGBTQ+ activist communities through surveys and narrative responses, analyzing how these relationships sustain activism, transfer strategy, and build collective resilience. Selected to present this research at the 2026 Notre Dame Student Peace Conference on the panel “New Game, New Peaces: Strategies for a Shifting Field” and at the Dyson Society of Fellows.

He/Him/His/They/Them/Theirs

Demonstrated leadership across campus roles by mentoring peers, guiding new hires through departmental processes, and helping team members build confidence and grow into their positions. Through the Center for Community Action and Research and the Andrew Goodman Foundation, led voter registration and civic education efforts that increased student voter awareness and helped register 700+ students, including 300+ through collaborations with student organizations, faculty, and community partners. Delivered presentations and public remarks to engage students in civic participation, advocated for more accessible voting policies for college students, and used outreach data to strengthen engagement strategies. As a Resident Assistant, supported the development of new RAs by sharing best practices, helping them navigate responsibilities and community standards, and serving as a peer resource for leadership, programming, and resident support.