Nuchette Black-Burke
Town of Windsor
United States
Mayor Nuchette Black-Burke is the first Black woman, Caribbean Mayor of the Town of Windsor, CT. She is a visionary and trustworthy community leader, committed to cultivating relationships across lines of difference for change and action. Black-Burke possesses a gift for seeing the strengths of individuals around her, bringing people together for a common cause and aligning them to drive great outcomes. Her informed and inclusive style is well-received by her colleagues and constituents. People are drawn to the sense of calm and trust she cultivates, further bolstering her ability to establish and grow meaningful relationships in diverse spaces. Mayor Black-Burke seeks the support of Women Leaders of the World fellowship and network to cultivate and position her effective advocacy, community engagement, and strategic innovation in leading the town through procedural revisions that will represent the fabric of Windsor, CT.
About
Me.
What is your story?
What drives your work?
My motto is 'service is the rent we pay while living on the earth'. Serving and be of service is in my heart. My goal is to make my community a stronger, inclusive, and vibrant place for all members to thrive. This was modeled for me by my parents. As members of their native communities migrated to the United States they became the champions and advocates to assist with acclimating to a new environment and being the bridge builders at that time. These memories and sentiments push me to continue serving the community.
Describe your biggest strength as a leader
I am a connector who finds joy in fitting people, things, and ideas together. Connecting, Collaborating and Communicating are my greatest strengths.
Describe your biggest challenge as a leader
As a leader my biggest challenges are communicating feedback and change management. After 22 years of my town having the individual as the mayor, I ascended to the role. Working with town staff, colleagues to adapt to this change has been arduous. Providing feedback grounded in data to support the shifts in focus has been challenging.
About the
Organization
and the Project.
Sector
Other
Website
Vision & Mission
Vision:
"To create an exceptional quality of life that engages citizens, provides commercial and leisure amenities, promotes business and employment opportunities and unsurpassed value to all taxpayers"
Mission:
"To create an environment where the dreams can come true for individuals, families, and businesses"
Year Founded
1633
No. of Employees
Years in the Organization
8 years
Annual Budget (USD)
$145.670.840
Geographical Area Served
Windsor, CT
Organizational /
Project Description
Windsor 400 - Charter Revision/Strategic Plan
*Guarantee fair representation and resource accessibility for all neighborhoods in the area & advocate for environmentally-conscious policies and practices within the government.
*Work towards social justice by addressing and dismantling systemic discrimination.
*Ensure responsible financial management to maximize the use of taxpayer funds.
*Safeguard civil liberties and human rights for all residents.
*Increasing representation by 50 % on all boards and commissions by 2026.
Why is this project important and timely?
What is the target population of your project?
- Residents of Windsor - 29,000
- Increase transparency and accountability in government operations.
- Streamline and modernize government processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Strengthen local democracy by increasing public participation in decision-making.
How will you know that you have achieved that impact? What data will you use to assess your impact?
Data from surveys and focus groups will be used to assess the impact of working on a charter revision.
How do you anticipate this unique leadership education impacting you personally? What new skills are you hoping too develop & grow through this experience?
Learning is a lifelong commitment. This unique opportunity will help me in framing my leadership brand. I am hoping to learn how to amplify my voice even further from a network of supportive women. In a society where you aren't affirmed for being bold or willing to address hard issues - I welcome the opportunity to learn from women who have conquered in this area.
Where would you like to see yourself professionally in the next 3 years?
In the next 3 years I see myself being in my second mayoral term and being a seasoned Executive Director (CEO) of a small to medium non-profit agency. Additionally, I hope to be a part of a doctoral cohort pursuing a doctorate in Public Policy or Educational Leadership.