Women's History Month Profiles: Bernie Burnham

This year, for Women’s History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women’s history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Bernie Burnham of the Minnesota AFL-CIO and Education Minnesota.

Bernie Burnham took office in February 2022 as the 10th president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO and the first person of color to serve in that position. Prior to her election to lead the state federation, Burnham was vice president of Education Minnesota, which is affiliated with both the AFT and NEA, since 2019. She spent 14 years as an elementary school teacher and was actively involved in the labor management process in the Duluth Public Schools for nine years, four of those prior to being elected president of the Duluth Federation of Teachers.