ABOUT ME
Heather E. Burton, PhD, a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Black Studies with a minor in Theater, a Master of Social Work, University of Akron, a Master of Public Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Studies and Public Affairs both from Cleveland State University. She also holds a Doctor of Ministry in Black Church Studies from Ashland University.
Dr. Burton serves as faculty in Africana Studies, Theater and Social Work at Case Western Reserve University. Specializing in racial and gender equity she prides her identity in that of a Christian Black Woman. She has been featured locally, nationally, and internationally as a keynote speaker, facilitator and workshop presenter.
Dr. Burton proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ through a lens that counters systemic racism and white patriarchy. Her work and writings are a testament “My Eloquent Angry Black Rage” book chapter in Teaching Beautiful Brilliant Black Girls, Crimson Heights, I’mSingle, So What? and upcoming 2026 releases Out of the Shadows: Intergenerational Voices of Women and Ministry and Student Success in Historically Black Spaces: How HBCUs, Black Churches, and the Divine Nine Demonstrate the Benefits of Separatism in Higher Education, and Modern Proverbs 31 Woman.
Accepting Christ and becoming a faithful tither at the age of eight Dr. Burton gave her quarters proving over the course of her life that God is a provider. On March 27, 2022, Dr. Burton became the first woman licensed to preach the gospel in the 114-year history of East Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Dr. Burton serves as President of the Intergenerational Women’s Ministry for National Missionary Baptist Convention of America.
She is the Founder of Crimson Heights Ministries, Inc. a 501 (c)(3) dedicated to the holistic development of women. She is a board member with The Greater Cleveland Delta Life Development Center and SHINE, Inc. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter, she serves as Co-Chair of LEAD and a member of the Mid-West Region’s Chaplain Council.
Dr. Burton has been awarded the RH Boyd Award for Excellence, Christian Woman of Distinction, YWCA Women of Achievement, Who’s Who of Black Cleveland, FeministMentor, Qgrad Outstanding Faculty and Staff Mentor, Staff Diversity, Mather Spotlight and Women of Achievement, Phenomenal Woman and more.
Dr. Burton has been involved in acting and modeling for over thirty years. Her stage credits include “The Vagina Monologues”, “A Lesson Before Dying”, and a host of print, television and film credits. Her directorial debut came with her self-written play “The Master” at the age of 16. Dr. Burton continues her craft today in an occasional commercial and play but mostly spends her time acting on the stage of life. She is shaped in Joshua 1:9 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest,”. Dr. Burton stands behind the motto “If God uses me to touch one person,then my work is not in vain”.