Kim Parks keeps Englewood moving. As the Membership Coordinator for the Englewood Chamber, she’s at every opening, ribbon-cutting, and community event, always leading with that big, bright smile everyone recognizes. You can’t help but think of that old Mary Tyler Moore theme song: “Who can turn the world on with her smile?” That’s Kim. And with the Chamber’s nonstop schedule, she’s always where the action is.
She grew up in Indiana, so yes, there’s clearly more than just cornfields there. Kim moved down here eleven years ago, trading in icy Midwest winters for Florida sun, and she hasn’t looked back.
She’s been the Chamber’s Membership Coordinator for nearly eight years; most people just call her the “Chamber Cheerleader.” And she owns it. “Yes, I was a cheerleader years ago,” she laughs, “and I can still do a cartwheel.”
Kim’s full of surprises. “I’m a former radio DJ, and I still have the gift of gab,” she says. “I even tried a little stand-up comedy.” It shows, as her energy is contagious.
What keeps her going? “Work keeps me busy,” Kim says, “but I love having my toes in the sand as much as possible. My guy and I chase live music wherever we can, taking quick trips to concerts all over the country. I’m a foodie, so exploring new restaurants and snapping pictures of all my meals is my thing. Some people eat to live—I live to eat!”
Englewood couldn’t ask for a better cheerleader than Kim Parks.
What do you most value in your friends?
What I value most in friends is loyalty and love. The ones that are there when you need them without you having to ask them is such a great feeling. You can have fun with anyone, but when someone is there in dark times, they brighten your world.
Who is your hero of fiction?
Barbie. She has done it all! She taught me that I can be anything I want to be and look good doing it.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents. I am adopted, which I saw as a special thing. I was raised being told that “I was picked.” My parents loved me like their own and that is something truly incredible. They proved that you don’t have to be blood to be loved.
What is it that you most dislike?
Those that reward for bad behavior.
What is your greatest regret?
Not running away and joining the circus after college.
What is your motto?
Mean what you say and say what you mean. “Sometimes funny, always hungry”
Every edition, Englewood REVIEW spotlights someone who stands out in the community. We ask each person to tackle The Proust Questionnaire; a classic set of questions created by Marcel Proust, the French writer.
