Ginny Burton’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for redemption, even in the face of insurmountable odds. Growing up in a household where both of her parents were addicted to drugs, Burton’s own drug use began with marijuana and eventually led to heroin and crack cocaine. She and her mother would use drugs together, leading to a cycle of addiction and criminal behavior that saw Burton convicted of 17 felonies, including identity theft, assault, and armed robbery. After serving three separate terms in prison, Burton finally found the motivation to turn her life around. In 2016, she went back to school at the University of Washington and was awarded a highly competitive $30,000 graduate school scholarship as a 2020 Truman Scholar and Martin Honor Scholar, ultimately earning a total of $74,000 in scholarships. At the age of 48, she graduated with a degree and a newfound determination to make a difference in the world. Burton now advocates for “incarceration with intention,” which seeks to provide incarcerated individuals with the resources they need to turn their lives around and reintegrate into society. She believes that such a program would not only benefit those who are incarcerated but would also create a safety net for the broader community. Burton’s own life experience with addiction, criminal justice, and homelessness, combined with her education, has given her a unique perspective and credibility in areas that most policymakers lack. She is committed to changing policies in the prison system and in homeless systems, and to putting her life experience to use in creating more effective, empowering solutions for those who are suffering as a result of current policies. Ginny Burton’s story is a reminder that, even in the darkest moments, there’s always hope for a better future.
