Cherelle Parker (Mayor), Bio, Net Worth, Age, Husband, Salary, Social Media, “Ex-husband”, Nationality and More

Who is Cherelle Parker?

Cherelle Parker is the current mayor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the first woman to hold the position. Parker assumed office as the 100th mayor on January 1, 2024, succeeding Jim Kenney. In addition, she represented the 9th District from 2016 to 2022 and served the 200th District from 2005 to 2015, where she championed education reform and economic development. Raised in West Oak Lane, Parker’s political journey began in high school when she interned for Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco, a pivotal mentor in her life. Before entering politics, Parker worked as a high school English and ESL teacher. She is affiliated with the Democratic Party and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc

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How old is Cherelle Parker?

Cherelle was born on September 9, 1972, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, making her 53 years old as of 2025. She always celebrates her birthday on September 9 every year, and her zodiac sign is Virgo.

Personal Information Summary

Early Life and Education

Parker was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was raised by her grandparents, James, a disabled U.S. Navy veteran and Dorothy Parker, a domestic worker, in the West Oak Lane neighborhood after being born to a single teenage mother, who died when she was 11 years old. James and Dorothy Parker played a pivotal role in her upbringing, and Parker always credits them for instilling in her the values of hard work, education, and civic responsibility. Parker attended Philadelphia public schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. She later attended Parkway High School, where, during her senior year in 1990, she won a citywide oratorical competition. While still in high school, Parker had the opportunity to intern for Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco, a prominent figure in Philadelphia politics who would later become a mentor and inspiration for Parker’s own political career.

After graduating from high school, Parker became the first person in her family to attend college. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Lincoln University, a historically Black university in Pennsylvania, where she also pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a public service sorority. Her time at Lincoln University further deepened her commitment to community empowerment and leadership. Parker later pursued graduate studies and obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. Before entering politics, she worked as a high school English and ESL teacher in Philadelphia’s public schools.

Cherelle Parker Husband

Parker was previously married to Ben Mullins, also known as Benjamin Perry Mullins Jr. The couple tied the knot on July 30, 2010, in a well-attended ceremony at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Ben Mullins is known for his work as a union leader with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Their marriage was celebrated as a union of two prominent figures in Philadelphia’s civic and political circles. However, according to public records, the couple later divorced, though the exact date of their separation has not been widely publicized. Together, they have one child, Langston, who was named after Langston Hughes. Parker has often spoken about balancing her responsibilities as a mother with her demanding career in public service.

What does Cherelle Parker do to earn a living?

Parker earns a living through her role as the Mayor of Philadelphia, a position she assumed on January 1, 2024. As mayor, she receives a public salary funded by the city government. In addition to her salary, Parker may receive compensation for public speaking engagements or participate in civic initiatives, though these are generally secondary to her full-time responsibilities as mayor

Cherelle Parker Career Background

Parker’s political career began in 1995 when she joined the office of Philadelphia City Councilmember Marian B. Tasco, a trailblazing figure and mentor who played a pivotal role in shaping Parker’s path. In 2005, Parker made history by being elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 200th District in Northwest Philadelphia. She served in this role for a decade, becoming the youngest African-American woman ever elected to the state legislature at the time. During her tenure, she focused on education reform, job creation, and economic development. Parker also chaired the Philadelphia Delegation and became the first woman to lead the House Democratic Caucus.

After leaving the state legislature, Parker continued her public service by running for Philadelphia City Council. In 2016, she succeeded her mentor Marian Tasco as the representative for the 9th District. Her work on the council centered on neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, and public safety. She introduced the Philadelphia Neighborhood Preservation Initiative, a $400 million investment aimed at improving housing and community infrastructure. Parker also led the passage of the “Philly First Home” program, which aids first-time home buyers in meeting down payments and closing costs on the purchase of a home (Wikipedia). In addition, Parker chaired the Council’s Committee on Labor and Civil Service, advocating for fair wages and worker protections.

In 2023, Parker launched her campaign for mayor of Philadelphia. Her platform emphasized public safety, economic equity, and educational opportunity, pledging to hire 300 new police officers and opposing the establishment of a supervised injection site for heroin and other injectable drugs in Philadelphia (Wikipedia). She won the Democratic primary and was declared the winner on May 16, 2023. Parker went on to win the general election in November, becoming the 100th mayor of Philadelphia and the first woman elected to the position. Her term as mayor began at midnight on January 1, 2024, and she was officially sworn in on January 2, 2024, marking a historic moment for the city.

Notable Works and Achievements

Since becoming mayor in January 2024, Cherelle Parker has launched a series of ambitious initiatives focused on public safety, education, economic development, and city infrastructure. Her administration introduced the Fiscal Year 2025 budget with a strong emphasis on safety and equity. On immigration, Parker has maintained Philadelphia’s status as a “Welcoming City”, supporting sanctuary policies and expanding legal aid and housing support for immigrant families. In addition, she has prioritized expanding access to quality schooling and after-school programs, with her administration partnering with local universities and nonprofits to boost literacy rates and provide career pathways for youth.

One of Parker’s most controversial proposals is the development of six new sports and entertainment arenas across Philadelphia. In early 2025, Parker faced a major test of leadership during the Municipal Employees’ Strike, which involved sanitation workers, public transit staff, and administrative personnel demanding better wages and working conditions. The strike lasted three weeks, disrupting city services and drawing national attention. Parker responded by initiating emergency service protocols and negotiating a new labor agreement that included a 12% wage increase over three years, improved healthcare benefits, and commitments to workplace safety.

How Tall is Cherelle Parker?

Parker is approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, equaling 1.68 meters.

Cherelle Parker Net Worth

Cherelle Parker’s estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million as of 2023. Her primary income comes from her career in politics and public service. She has built her financial profile through a long-standing commitment to public leadership.

Social Media

Parker is gaining popularity on social media. Her official verified accounts include Instagram @cherelleparkerphilly, with more than 21k followers, @Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, with more than 56k followers, and Twitter @PeopleforParker, with more than 13.1k followers.