Who's Who: Laura Renee Parker

Coalter Financial Strategies, insurance agent/lia sophia jewelry, manager

WHERE SHE'S BEEN: Parker, 29, is originally from Cape Girardeau and now lives in Sikeston, Mo. She is married to Chad Parker, a fourth generation farmer who farms with his family in the Sikeston area. She has two children, Colt, age 4, and Cheyenne, age 2. Parker received a bachelor's degree in health management from Southeast Missouri State University.

WHERE SHE'S GOING: "In five years I see myself continuing to grow and work in the family business (Coalter Financial Strategies). I believe family-owned businesses have heart and I feel so proud to be working with my family. I also see myself continuing to grow my jewelry business with lia sophia. I feel so blessed to be able to share the opportunity of selling lia sophia with women across the United States. I would like to work my way up the lia sophia management ladder and continue to work hard in the insurance industry. Insurance can be so competitive and difficult these days -- my goal is to serve all clients with honesty, loyalty and respect. Most importantly, I want to continue to balance my goals of the working world along with my most important career -- being the best mom I can be to my children. Motherhood is the most rewarding and challenging job I have ever faced but definitely the most rewarding.

On working in the community: "I would like to focus my efforts on hardworking, deserving families who just seem to come up short. It is especially rewarding to help those with an appreciative nature and strong work ethic. I also have a special interest in helping the elderly, as they are a population that can often be overlooked."

WHY SHE WAS CHOSEN: "She loves working with the public and never seems to meet a stranger," wrote Laura's mother, Debbie Coalter. "Laura is a dedicated employee and strives to balance her two career choices and being a mother. She also gives back to her community and believes in service organizations."

Laura's community involvement: Licensed Missouri insurance agent, Alpha Delta Pi standards adviser for Alpha Delta Pi sorority at Southeast Missouri State University, Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Association, Southeast Missouri State Alumnae Association, Communications Chair Board member for Altrusa International of Sikeston, Mo., Member of St. Francis Church, volunteers and help raise funds for house of refuge, volunteers several hours with gift baskets for the needy at Christmas time, member of Cape Chamber with Coalter Financial Strategies, hosts lia sophia fundraisers to raise food for food banks in Southeast Missouri, Sikeston hospital ball decor committee and sponsor.