When Parker isn't facing down gender stereotypes, she's dealing with more general stereotypes about boxing.
Even Parker's mother, while generally supportive, doesn't like the fact that her daughter chose boxing over other sports.
But, as Parker tells her mother, "there were a lot more broken noses on my sister's lacrosse team last spring," then there are in her gym, and boxing has kept her in better mental and physical shape than any other sport she has tried.
The social studies concentrator is takes pride in the social consciousness of the Somerville club, nothing that all of its coaches are volunteers and boxers are charged minimal membership fees.
As a result, many kids who would otherwise be hanging around aimlessly are working and training in a constructive atmosphere that builds their self-esteem, Parker says.
"You're important in there," she says. "You really mean something," and coaches provide long-term, personal support.
Still, some continue to sneer at a sport predominantly known more for its violence. Some express emotions "bordering on disgust that a woman would box," Parker says.
Parker has an answer ready for anyone asking why she keeps fighting.
"I ask them why they think I box. And then I say I'm hoping it will further my career as a supermodel," she says.