Connie Burk
Seattle, Washington
How is your Hero working to make the world a better place?
Connie Burk started working in the anti-violence movement as a student activist and domestic violence shelter advocate. She co-founded the first regional domestic violence survivor services for lesbian, bisexual, trans and gay people in Kansas. Since 1997, she has directed The Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse in Seattle, WA. With her leadership, The NW Network has developed a nationally acclaimed assessment tool and innovative strategies for working with survivors' friends and families. Colleagues and allies from across the country have embraced Connie's goals: not just to end domestic violence but to create the conditions necessary to support loving and equitable relationships. Connie trains internationally on transforming LBTG abuse, integrating community engagement, sustaining ethical advocacy, and taking the crisis out of crisis response. She has worked with the FaithTrust Institute to engage LBTG affirming congregations, is a charter member of the Violence Against Women Act's National Advisory Board on Marginalized Communities, is a past Board Chair of the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and serves on the Jewish Women's International Conference on Domestic Violence Advisory Committee. Additionally, Connie participated in the Roundtable on Sexual Violence at the White House, co-authored "Trauma Stewardship" and "The Revolution Starts At Home", is the Executive Producer of documentary "A Lot Like You", and serves on her Synagogue's Executive Committee as Vice President and Treasurer. All this AND she's raising four young boys (three of which are adopted brothers) in a loving, safe and joy-filled home.
How has your Hero impacted your life and inspired you?
I am in awe of Connie's achievements, her fierce intelligence, creativity, intentionality and her internal compass that always points in the right direction. She isn't afraid to do difficult things, and she does so with grace, beauty, humor, and compassion. I am constantly learning from Connie and asking myself "What would Connie do?" as a framework for decision making and positive action. I am deeply inspired by Connie's commitment to social justice, working hard, building and sustaining community, and creating loving, supportive, safe relationships. It is a great honor to have Connie as a mentor and friend!