Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Burnett
Hi Erika, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
-Grew up on the westside of Detroit, all Black everything.
-My parents divorced, we moved to suburbia Indianapolis. I went from being an honors students to being enrolled in remedial classes. First time i realized our education system was flawed.
-Struggled with belonging, lack of representation through high school. Decided to attend an HBCU.
-Matriculated at The Tennessee State University. Did my student teaching at Glencliff High School (pre-Tony Majors). Realized I was more concerned about my/how and the conditions facilitating my students being shot much more than teaching them Animal Farm.
-Spent summers organizing hotel unions in Chicago Indianapolis; Taught at a school n Uganda
-Attended Vanderbilt and secured my Masters in Education with a focus on Community Development
-launched a youth volunteer corps at Hands on Nashville; trained law enforcement officers on domestic violence & elder abuse with YWCA, facilitated city-wide youth violence intervention program with Oasis Center; Launched first public/Nonprofit partnership between TSU + Hands On Nashville engaging ALL incoming freshman in service learning requirements;
-Started consulting to support nonprofit professionals in “doing their job better” by teaching classes at CNM, and facilitating workshops for local orgs
-Worked for Leadership for Educational Equity supporting Teach for America alum across the country interested in organizing around education related issues.
-Hosted summer workforce development programs for underresourced youth for 10 years
-Launched Women of Color Collaborative with my co-conspirator Nicole Kemp with a goal of cultivating healthy, affirming environments for black women & girls to work, play & build together.
-Returned to TN to lead orgs such as Communities in School of TN, TN Association of Nutritionist.& Dietitians, & Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga
-The Village moves over to Community Foundation, I accepted the role as Village Program Manager
-Community Foundation of Middle TN recognizes the moment and lifts up a Community Development Department committed to Equity, Transformation over transactions & Systems Thinking.
-I’m named Vice President of Community Development
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
-Performative DEI post George Floyd
-The hypocrisy of bing a nonprofit professional (i.e. working of the org that helped to pass bills associated with healthcare for pregnant women in the state of TN, while not being insured as a pregnant woman in TN)
-White boards making decision for BIPOC populations
-Lack of overall support and representation foe Black women in the workplace
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Erika R. Burnett, a leader in nonprofit and community engagement, serves as the Vice President of Community Development at the Community Foundation of Middle TN. Under her guidance, this department operates The Village, an incubation space for grassroots community organizations. Burnett’s versatile career has spanned entrepreneurship, innovation, education, advocacy, and leadership roles. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Erika is recognized for her strategic approach and passion for tackling issues that affect under-resourced and marginalized members of our community with a special heart for Black women and girls.
Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Erika is recognized for her strategic approach and passion for tackling issues that affect populations most impacted by historical harm and systemic barriers. As one of the country’s “it cities” grows, so have the housing & pay inequity and resource gaps, continuing to exacerbate the impact of the root causes of generational and systemic poverty. It is the responsibility of the collective to ensure that Issues such as climate change, clean energy and healthy, sustainable living as they specifically intersect across racial and socioeconomic lines be centered in every conversation prioritizing the cities growth and future. A more equitable future for the Southeastern Region would include sound representation from the populations historically harmed and disproportionately impacted by climate change and environmental injustices to be equipped and positioned at decision making tables guiding the corrective and proactive, justice oriented path ahead.
Erika received her B.A. in English Education from Tennessee State University and her M.Ed. in Community Development Action from Vanderbilt University. She is a proud AmeriCorps, Nashville Emerging Leader, New Leaders Council, Leadership Donelson-Hermitage & Protege Alum who has been committed to the nonprofit sector for nearly 20 years. Most recently, Erika joined the ranks of admired community impact leaders weaving a better South as a MOSAIC Changemaker Fellow and she commenced her term on Metro’s Action Commission. Currently adventuring through like with a toddler, in her spare time Erika enjoys solo hikes & traveling for delicious plant-based dining experiences.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Inclusive music festivals. It’s one of the only spaces where BIPOC folx are free and safe to be as expressionate in their bodies as they please without being seen as a threat.
Seeing Black women leaders secure their bag and facilitate deep impact on their own terms…bc it’s about time!
Contact Info:
- Website: cfmt.org and workplaybuild.org
