Leanna Burton

Leanna Burton, (she/her), Senior Manager of State Media Relations, is a dynamic individual who thrives in a multitude of roles, proudly describing herself as a Jill-of-all-trades and a master of some. With a diverse skill set encompassing writing, multimedia artistry, health equity advocacy, labor/union support, and change management, she brings a unique perspective to her multicultural and strategic communications work. As a caregiver and health equity advocate, Leanna firmly believes in the transformative power of communication, utilizing creative expression and storytelling to forge meaningful connections and reshape the narratives that most impact health outcomes. Her passion is bridging gaps in people’s lived experiences to drive intersectional, sustainable change. Originally hailing from the South Side of Chicago, Leanna spent a significant portion of her career in New York City, immersing herself in various roles ranging from freelance writing and copyediting for national outlets to directing a music school and performing across the city and country. These diverse labor experiences ultimately led her to the fields of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and labor organizing. In 2020, she returned to her hometown while working as a health communications press officer at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. In this role, she actively supported racial and health equity initiatives, developing and implementing programs that addressed healthcare inequities for queer people of color. Additionally, Leanna played an instrumental role in negotiating Planned Parenthood’s first Collective Bargaining Agreement with 1199 SEIU Healthcare Workers East. Leanna holds a BA in Journalism from CUNY- Brooklyn College, where she honed her skills in effective storytelling and communication strategies. Currently, she is residing in Chicago with her partner, Will, and beloved Labrador/Staffy mix, Olivia. Alongside her professional endeavors, she continues to pursue her passions, such as musical improv and content creation, while also studying to become a full-spectrum doula. Furthermore, Leanna shares her expertise by providing strategic communications and storytelling consulting services to purpose-driven organizations and individuals, focusing on DEI-related initiatives. With her multifaceted background and unwavering commitment to driving positive change, Leanna Burton is a force to be reckoned with in the realms of communication, advocacy, and labor support.