Through the Years - With Mari Parks, BAA, P.H.Ec.

Background:
I have been involved in Home Economics outside the field of Food and Nutrition. I graduated in Home Economics – Fashion Option when Ryerson was known as Ryerson Institute of Technology. After graduation I worked a short time in the clothing industry at a high end fashion house in Toronto to facilitate attending the College of Education, U. of T. I then taught Clothing and Textiles in Barrie ON for several years.  I continued taking courses at Ottawa U. and Cornell U. in Home Economics and Education. When Ryerson was granted the right to award degrees I completed my B.A.A. in Home Economics while teaching at the secondary school level in London ON.
 
Involvement in OHEA:
I have been a member since the early years of the association. In the late 1980’s I was President before and after obligations on the Board. I also chaired OHEA Board meetings for several years in the late 1990’s to 2002.
 
I represented the province as a Director on the CHEA Board. More recently was a provincial trustee to CHEF (Canadian Home Economics Foundation).
 
This involvement, in and for OHEA, provided me with the aptitude to chair the local community association for many years and work with London City Hall on redevelopment issues in  a historic district. In 2012 I was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for my contribution to the city.
 
Why  I Joined OHEA:
As a secondary school teacher I was a member of OFSHEEA but felt that OHEA provided a broader perspective in the field of Home Economics for the classroom. To support the association, I have continued my OHEA membership since retiring over 20 years ago.
 
Where Does OHEA Go in the Future:
The recent announcement about the Food Guide certainly will provide lots of opportunity for food oriented members to make their mark with the public. However I feel that some of the other branches of Home Economics: money management, housing, consumerism, relationships, the environment, etc. are being neglected. What the future holds is certainly unknown but there is lots of opportunity for new grads to apply their skills.