Leah Burgess
2022 Golden Women
Main Scholarship Winner
Pursuing Master's Degrees in Divinity and Social Work
Howard University
Why continuing an education is so important to her:
"I feel a strong purpose to support women who experience oppression like racism, sexism, and poverty. Continuing my education is exposing me to theories, concepts, and research based evidence to inform programmatic interventions post graduate education."
Leah proudly supports:
Howard University School of Divinity
Leah, what does the term “Golden Women” mean to you?
“Golden Women" are the women who are on their way; these are the women who are holding more than one thing in their hands. "Golden Women" hold the realities of hardships and devastation due to war, personal trauma, generational poverty, and food apartheid; but the also hold in their hands the possibility of more on the other side of the devastation. "Golden Women" are taking risks to connect with other "Golden Women", they see the value of developing healthy relationships with women and others. "Golden Women" recognize the value of their voice and they take time to invest in their well-being as a method to show up for their communities through advocacy, support, and affirmation.”
Leah, describe something that is plaguing young women today and explain what can be done to turn it around? What can you do to help?
“One thing that is plaguing young women today is cancel culture that is perpetuated by trends and public discourse on social media. I can help dismantle cancel culture in the lives of young women by hosting retreats with young women to explore the benefit of healthy friendships and professional connections with other women.”