Ms. Teresa Parson, wife of former Governor Mike Parson, is honored to be the former First Lady of the State of Missouri. After working 40 years in the banking industry, Ms. Parson retired in 2016 to serve her community as an active and dedicated volunteer. She has served on the boards of the 30th Circuit Juvenile Detention Center Board, A+ Program, Industrial Development Authority, Bolivar Educational Advancement Foundation, Bolivar Chamber of Commerce, and as a volunteer with the Relay for Life.
Like her husband, Ms. Parson has a strong commitment to education and advocates for special needs children. Former Governor Parson and the former First Lady serve as co-chairs on the Jobs for America’s Graduates-Missouri, Inc. (JAG-Missouri) Board of Directors. Together they are highlighting the importance of education to the next generation of leaders, as well as financial literacy and money management.
Ms. Parson also is the proud mother of two children and five grandchildren. She worships as a member of the First Baptist Church in Bolivar.
Testimonials
JAG has been a life changer.
JAG pushes us out of our comfort zone. It has truly helped me find my voice. I have learned how to voice my opinions the right way – when to speak and when to listen. Without JAG I have no doubt I would still be living my old life. I wish I could have found my voice sooner, but the important thing now is: I have found it, and I will never let it go.
I felt hopeless because no matter what I did, I thought the future I wanted was too far out of reach. I wasn’t smart enough or rich enough to live the life I wanted. Because of this, at the age of 15, I exploded. Everything parents pray their child isn’t doing, I was, or I was trying to. In the midst of this self destruction, the greatest opportunity came up and shook my hand. I went from dropping out to picking up my cap and gown. JAG didn’t save my life, it taught me how to save my own.
Before I joined JAG, I was lost. JAG provided assistance in pinpointing a career and making steps in order to pursue it. My JAG Specialist motivated me to make connections and to continue my education in the emergency response industry. JAG has changed my life!
