WestLee Parker

US Army - 9 years

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business MBA

West Parker is a Korean American U.S. Army Green Beret who grew up through a melting pot of experiences across the United States, Germany, and Asia. His mother never had the opportunity to attend college, while his father was only the second person in his family to do so. His grandfather, a Silver Star recipient for valor in Vietnam, later helped build one of the first ROTC programs in Spartanburg, South Carolina, creating opportunities for young students to earn an education through military service. Raised in a family shaped by sacrifice and service, West developed a deep appreciation for education, resilience, and creating opportunities for others.

Unable to afford college without financial support, West earned a four-year ROTC scholarship to Wofford College, commissioned as an Infantry officer, and later joined U.S. Army Special Forces. As a Green Beret, he led teams and operations across the Indo Pacific alongside international partners in complex and high-pressure environments.

When West was in fourth grade, his mother was involved in a life changing accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down. Watching her navigate life with a disability sparked his interest in how technology can improve independence and quality of life for others. After nine years of service, West now attends the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he focuses on Applied AI, Finance, and Strategic Management to help organizations responsibly deploy emerging technologies that create meaningful impact. West hopes to continue serving beyond the uniform by leveraging technology and innovation to expand opportunities for others.