Pang Nhia Burke, Founder
The foundation was founded in 2018 by Pang Nhia Burke.
Her vision was simple, paying it forward with one life at a time. As a former foster child and human trafficking survivor, she wanted children and adults to know that our past will not define who we are. She graduated in 2014 with her MBA in Accounting from Colorado Technical University and a went on to accomplish a 2nd Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership and Change from Colorado Technical University.
As stated from Pang Nhia, "We may encounter things that can hinder us, but our strength is within our self through our story."
Our mission here at B-LEEF is to change lives, one at a time.
We plan to complete our mission through creating various unique dynamic programs such as mentorship, homeless outreach, and community events. Our mentorship program will be working specifically with at risk youths and following them throughout adulthood to ensure that they become successful individuals.
We want everyone that we encounter to have a solid foundation and be able to overcome anything life throws at them.
Our goal is to reach out to as many people as we can and being able to spend quality time with each one, providing the right resources, and creating a safe haven.
We want to build bonds that will last a life time.
"Don't aim for success if you want it, just do what you love and believe it will come naturally."
- Robert Frost
Derrick Burke, Co-Founder & President
Derrick has lived in Texas from a young age and considers himself a Texan. He joined B-LEEF in support of his wife, Pang Nhia's mission. He wants the world to know her testimony and being a part of something that will not only change the community, but also give children a chance to progress in life.
As the President of The Burke-Lee Foundation, his goal is to see out our day-to-day operations. Derrick will be our primary spokesperson for the organization, recruiting donors, and attending fundraising functions.
The Burke-Lee Committee
Van Gardner, Program Director
Haley Parent, Planned Gift Director
Haley Parent, Planned Gift Director
Van has always had a passion for giving to others. She joined the Burke-Lee Foundation because she wanted to be able to give to others who are in need and has been the pillar of our organization.
Haley Parent, Planned Gift Director
Haley Parent, Planned Gift Director
Haley Parent, Planned Gift Director
Haley's past has changed her as a person and wanted to be able to give back to community through her volunteer time with us. She has found a home with us at the Burke-Lee Foundation because of her passion to give to others what she wish she had.
Crystal Ruiz, Community Outreach Director
Crystal Ruiz, Community Outreach Director
Crystal Ruiz, Community Outreach Director
Crystal is the voice to our organization. Her years of experience in the restaurant industry has given us an opportunity to be able to create bonds. She has worked hard to gain strong relationships and sponsorships.
Ashley Garza, Volunteer Director
Crystal Ruiz, Community Outreach Director
Crystal Ruiz, Community Outreach Director
Ashley has been active with our organization since 2018 and has been to all of our events. She has brought groups of volunteers to help us serve our Homeless Community. She has 2 daughters and have wanted to be able to show them what giving was about.
“One piece of log creates a small fire, adequate to warm you up, add just a few more pieces to blast an immense bonfire, large enough to warm up your entire circle of friends; needless to say that individuality counts but teamwork dynamites.”
– Jin Kwon
Our Sponsors
