Erika Burnett

The Village is an incubation space for grassroots community organizations that empowers leaders from marginalized communities, identities, or lived experiences by providing a safe space to thrive, connect, and access vital resources, wisdom, funding, and power. Erika R. Burnett, a leader in nonprofit and community engagement, was selected to facilitate this work by CFMT.

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 youth, women, and girls across the state. In her most recent role prior to joining CFMT, Erika served as an expert facilitator and consultant for local and national mission-driven organizations of various capacities and most recently focused on influencing public policy through her role at the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga.

“For the past 20 years, I’ve watched this city grow, stretch, and in some aspects collapse under the weight of change and emerging community needs. At this critical moment in time it is imperative that we resource and position those closest to our communities’ most deeply rooted issues in order to repair historical harm & inequalities while we build a more equitable and inclusive future,” says Burnett. “This work requires intention, transparency and thoughtful co-creation alongside those who have been championing deeply meaningful work, often times outside of the public gaze and while being gravely under-resourced.”

To learn more about Erika and her work, click here

About Erika Burnett