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Doreen Parsons
Finalist
Nova Scotia Community Economic Development Award
for Outstanding Achievement

November 26, 1998

According to her colleagues, Doreen Parsons epitomizes community economic development by her ability to forge the delicate union between economics and social justice. Originally from Newfoundland, Doreen has championed the cause of adult learners, women, youth, social assistance recipients and minorities for approximately 20 years.

A consummate adult educator, Doreen ran one of North America's most unique community economic development (CED) corporations, the Human Resources Development Association Enterprises Limited of Halifax (HRDA). Under her leadership HRDA gained international recognition in CED circles, and was cited by Michael Lewis and Stewart Perry as a best practices for urban community economic development in their 1994 book, Reinventing the Local Economy. During Doreen's tenure, the HRDA provided work and training for more than 6500 people, including 5000 social assistance recipients.

In recent years, Doreen has focused on CED research, education and instruction, and development, working with organizations such as the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Woman, the Nova Scotia Community College and the Lucasville/Upper Hammonds Plains development organization. She has also served on a multitude of boards and committees. Currently Doreen is the Provincial Coordinator of the Women for Economic Equality Society, a Nova Scotia women's organization that promotes the full and equitable participation of women in CED.