2010: Cheryl Parquet #LT30for30
Since 1992, Leadership Triangle has been a convener, educator, advocate, and amplifier for some of our region’s most engaged leaders and organizations. To celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re telling the stories of 30 Fellows from 30 years of programs. Each Fellow highlighted will represent one year of impact: from 1992 to 2001 to 2022.
Cheryl Parquet is the Director of Community Engagement and Marketing Activation at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), the state’s largest health insurer. She is responsible for the development and implementation of all corporate-based philanthropic initiatives including community investments and employee volunteerism, sports sponsorships, activation, and marketing events to help improve the health and wellness of North Carolinians.
In 2019, Parquet was appointed to serve on the Commission for Volunteerism and Community Service by Governor Cooper. She is an active board member for Durham Children’s Initiative, YMCA of the Triangle, Leadership North Carolina, Leadership Triangle, Girl Scouts of Coastal Pines and Wake Technical Community College Foundation. Parquet is a Goodmon Fellow (2010) and a graduate of Leadership North Carolina Class of XXVI. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc Durham Alumnae Chapter and The Durham Rotary Club.
In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering with various non-profits in the community, spending time with her family and watching movies.
Cheryl is a 2010 Leadership Triangle Goodmon Fellow and a current board member for the organization.
Owen Jordan: What is your story?
Cheryl Parquet: After graduating from UNC-CH, I relocated to Durham, NC. Early in my career, I worked for a local bank and then moved into the housing industry, working for Pulte and Shea Homes. After several years in the industry and during the 2008 housing crisis, I started working at Blue Cross NC and have been there for the past 14 years, building my career and now working as the Director of Community Engagement and Marketing Activation.
Owen Jordan: What brought you to Leadership Triangle back in 2010?
Cheryl Parquet: At the end of 2008, I started a new role at Blue Cross as a Community Relations Associate Program Manager. A few people on the team participated in Leadership Triangle and expressed how much they enjoyed the program. As an eager newcomer to the community relations area, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to meet new people and learn more about the Triangle and nonprofits in the area. This program was definitely a launching board for my career!
Owen Jordan: What does leadership look like in your role as the Director of Community Engagement and Marketing Activation at Blue Cross NC?
Cheryl Parquet: Leadership is listening! It’s about listening to the needs of our communities, employees, and especially my team. We always learn best from those around us, but you have to practice the art of listening. Effective listening gives you various perspectives and knowledge, which increases your leadership capacity. Listening helps you learn and grow your leadership.
