Community Connections and Supporting Students ft. Ebony Burnett

In this episode, Ebony Burnett shares her journey from growing up in poverty to becoming a candidate for the Guilford County Schools Board of Education. With over 24 years of experience in education and community engagement, she emphasizes the importance of addressing basic needs, mental health support, and community involvement in education. Ebony discusses the challenges faced by students in Guilford County, including disparities in academic outcomes and the need for safe adults in schools. She encourages community members to support local schools through volunteering and mentorship. In this conversation, Catherine Quinlan and Ebony Burnett explore the systemic challenges faced by underfunded communities, particularly focusing on the historical impact of redlining and the importance of empowering these communities through education and resources. They discuss the role of after-school programs in providing safe spaces for youth, the need for partnerships with educational institutions, and the significance of civic engagement in amplifying community voices. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of addressing basic needs to foster meaningful participation in local politics and community development.About Ebony Burnett: Ebony Burnett is a passionate community leader, educator, and advocate dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families. With more than 20 years of experience in education, youth development, and community engagement, she currently serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at a local education-focused non-profit in Guilford County. Ebony leads collaborative efforts that connect schools, businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders around student success and economic mobility.A former teacher and longtime YMCA leader, Ebony is known for bringing people together to turn big ideas into meaningful action. Her work has focused on expanding access to high-quality out-of-school time programs, strengthening family and community partnerships, and helping create systems that better support young people from cradle to career.Ebony has received numerous honors for her leadership and impact, including the Community Empowerment Leader Award from the Lieutenant Governor, the Excellence in Leadership Award from the YMCA, and recognition as one of the Triad’s 40 Under 40 Most Influential African Americans.At the heart of her work is a simple belief: every child deserves a champion. When she’s not building partnerships or advocating for students, Ebony enjoys leadership conversations, community events, affordable family adventures, and finding ways to make serious work feel a little more human.About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert.I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites andYouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠⁠⁠Visibility In STEM: ⁠⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠⁠TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠⁠⁠Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the ScienceCurriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and CurriculumDevelopment. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠⁠⁠Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: ⁠⁠⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠⁠⁠Check out the podcast: Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠⁠⁠ Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-representation-in-the-curriculum-conversations/id1785560564 Music: ⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠⁠⁠ iHeart Radio: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-black-representation-in-th-248725998/