Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Parker.
Hi Kim, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my career in nonprofit work, always drawn to missions that make a real, tangible difference in people’s lives. After years of working in larger organizations, I was craving something more personal, more grassroots — something where I could roll up my sleeves and see the impact firsthand. That’s when I found Austin Diaper Bank. I’d never thought much about diaper need before, but once I learned about it, I couldn’t unsee it.
Here’s the thing that really got me: diapers aren’t covered by government assistance programs like SNAP or WIC. And without diapers, parents can’t send their babies to child care. Most centers require families to bring a daily supply to access care. So if you can’t afford diapers, you often can’t access child care. And if you can’t access child care, you can’t work or go to school. It’s this domino effect that keeps families stuck, all because of something as basic as diapers.
When I stepped into the Executive Director role in January, I knew this work was so much bigger than just distributing diapers. This work is about supporting working families, improving economic mobility, and giving caregivers some breathing room.
At the heart of it, this work is about dignity, opportunity, and making sure every baby — and every caregiver — has what they need to thrive. And that’s what keeps me going every day (well, that and caffeine).
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, definitely not a smooth road — more like a winding one with a few detours, surprise construction zones, and the occasional flat tire. But that’s the nature of this work, especially in a small nonprofit.
When I stepped into the Executive Director role in January, there was definitely a learning curve. I went from supporting the mission to suddenly steering the whole ship. It was exciting and humbling all at once, and it really pushed me to grow as a leader, fast.
One of the biggest ongoing challenges has been balancing the growing need for diapers with the reality of limited, and often unpredictable, funding. Demand continues to rise across Central Texas, but funding doesn’t always rise with it. Families are still feeling the pinch of rising costs, and we’ve seen more and more organizations turning to us for help. At the same time, many of the COVID-era relief funds have dried up, and we’re needing to work harder than ever to secure the resources to keep up.
Running a small nonprofit means we’re constantly juggling. We don’t have huge teams or deep pockets. Some days I’m deep in strategic planning mode, and other days I’m packing diapers, updating spreadsheets, or fixing the printer (because of course it jammed again). You wear all the hats, whether you want to or not.
But despite the challenges, the mission keeps us grounded. Every diaper we distribute represents a family that feels seen and supported and that’s what makes the hard days worth it. We’re scrappy, we’re passionate, and we’re committed to showing up, even when the road isn’t smooth.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As nonprofit leader, my work is all about connection — connecting families to the basic essentials they need to thrive, connecting partners across Central Texas, and connecting donors and volunteers to a mission that really makes a difference.
I’ve spent my entire career in the nonprofit world because I’m passionate about doing work that matters. I’ve worked in both smaller local nonprofits and large institutions, but I’ve always been drawn to work where I can see the real-life impact. I specialize in relationship-building, strategic growth, and creative problem solving. I love the puzzle of taking limited resources and stretching them as far as they’ll go to serve as many people as possible.
Since joining Austin Diaper Bank, I’ve focused on expanding our impact while keeping our mission deeply personal. I’m known for being collaborative, community-driven, and calm in the chaos — which helps when you’re managing everything from warehouse logistics to advocacy efforts to writing grant reports (sometimes all in the same day).
What sets me apart, I think, is my mix of strategic thinking and hands-on leadership. I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves. Whether that’s literally packing diapers or jumping in to solve a last-minute issue, I am willing to do whatever it takes. I care deeply about the families we serve, and I also care about the how. It’s important to me that we make sure our systems, staff, and partnerships are strong and sustainable.
Something I’m really proud of is the way I’ve been able to lead through connection and collaboration. I truly thrive on building strong relationships. I love the challenge of finding creative solutions, especially when resources are limited. Whether it’s rethinking a distribution model, pulling together volunteers for a last-minute delivery, or partnering with another nonprofit to meet an urgent need, I try to lead with flexibility, empathy, and a sense of possibility. That human side of the work, the trust, the teamwork, the shared problem-solving, is what fuels me every day.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I see the diaper bank sector, and the nonprofit world more broadly, moving toward deeper collaboration and collective impact, especially as more families face financial struggles and basic needs become harder to meet. The challenges aren’t going away, they’re growing. So, I believe the biggest shifts will come from partners across sectors—health care, education, social services, government, and the community itself—rising up together to address these issues more effectively and holistically.
We’re already seeing that no single organization can solve these challenges alone. The future will be about stronger partnerships where resources, knowledge, and networks are shared, making our response faster, smarter, and more sustainable. Working side-by-side with other nonprofits, businesses, and policymakers, we can push for policy changes while also innovating on the ground.
Collaboration will also allow us to be more responsive to families’ changing needs and to build equity-centered solutions that truly meet them where they are. I’m hopeful about this rising spirit of partnership because when we come together with a shared vision, we can create lasting change.
Overall, while the challenges won’t disappear overnight, I’m optimistic. The conversation around diaper need is growing louder, the community is more connected, and the momentum for meaningful change is building.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.austindiapers.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austindiaperbank
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austindiaperbank
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3589196
