Sydney Parker, Research Analyst
Sydney is passionate about public service, community advocacy, and research that can help to advance social issues and reduce harm. As congressional staff for two members of the U.S. House of Representatives, she advised her members on a variety of legislative issues including broadband access, housing, energy, and health, along with conducting direct correspondence with constituents.
Sydney fostered collaboration for each of her Representative’s offices with key stakeholders to ensure the passage and signage of major bills, such as the American Rescue Plan Act, which helped workers and families recover from the impacts of the pandemic in 2021.
Sydney also brings a strong background in nonprofit and political technology. At Bonterra/NGP VAN, she worked to provide digital and compliance support for progressive campaigns and organizations at the local, state, and federal level. In total, Sydney helped clients on 14 successful statewide ballot initiatives, including measures to protect and secure access to abortion care and bodily privacy in five states, and initiatives related to healthcare, voting rights, fair taxes, campaign finance, and gun safety in other states.
At GSSR, Sydney is working on projects across a wide range of social issues. This includes research related to exploring reparations for Black Americans, protecting the civil rights of immigrants, helping audiences better understand what it means to be transgender, and increasing access to affordable health care.
Sydney is a Montgomery County, Maryland native and an HBCU graduate of Morgan State University, where she earned a B.A. in Political Science. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.