From Military Service to Student Support: Galen Veteran Earns Community Recognition

The Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL) has announced the recipients of the 2025 YPAL Awards, an annual honor recognizing emerging leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

Among this year’s seven honorees is Paris Parada, a disabled combat veteran, community advocate and enterprise resource planning product manager at Galen College of Nursing.

YPAL received nearly 200 nominations for this year’s awards, showcasing the caliber of young professionals driving change in Louisville. Parada was recognized for her leadership, community service and professional accomplishments.

Parada served two tours in Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom and has continued that commitment to service throughout her civilian career. After leaving the military, she earned a Master of Business Administration and a Six Sigma Lean Green Belt certification.

At Galen College of Nursing, Parada plays a key role in system implementations, including Colleague and Regent. “I personally respond to and complete hundreds of tickets so that our teams can do their important work,” she said. Her attention to detail and mission-driven work ethic support Galen’s goal of delivering quality nursing education.

Parada’s influence extends beyond her work at Galen. She serves as vice chair of the Dress for Success Louisville board and is a member of the Kosair for Kids advisory council. A YPAL member since 2017, she has held leadership roles on the board, including Director of Diversity and Inclusion and Director of Recruitment.

“I hate seeing people struggle,” Parada said. “If I can help make things easier by providing a connection I already have to a resource, then I’ll be sure to do that. I am so grateful that Galen has been supportive of this work.”

Her other recent recognitions include induction into the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels and membership in the Rotary Club of Louisville.

Parada said she remains focused on a simple long-term goal: “Keep connecting the dots and being a resource so individuals and organizations can be successful.”

Whether through her work at Galen, volunteer efforts across the city, or mentoring fellow professionals, she continues to make a lasting impact.

Parada said she was excited to receive the YPAL Award and sees it as a chance to expand her network and influence.

“I’m looking forward to broadening the audience I have so that I can continue to connect and retain professionals in Louisville,” she said.

YPAL praised this year’s winners as “sterling representatives of young leadership in Louisville.”

Parada exemplifies the spirit of service, resilience and generosity that the award seeks to celebrate., I’m still learning 20 years later. This country gave me all the opportunities and opened doors, and I’m still here.”

Are you a veteran thinking about a nursing career? You can get the most out of your military benefits while you attend Galen College of Nursing. We offer support to military personnel and veterans, connecting you with the right resources to help you achieve your goals and become the nurse you aspire to be. Discover how Galen supports students, including military veterans.