05/31/2026
It’s May! May you come to The Jessie, May you See the Girl, and May you meet this month's Friend of The Jessie, Stephanie Burke! Stephanie is the VP of Model Programming and Partnerships for the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center, a mission that treats girls as the true experts of their own lives.
A social worker by training, originally from Pennsylvania, Stephanie’s journey to Jacksonville felt "meant to be." After moving here for her husband’s career, the Policy Center was the only place she applied. She loved their unique approach: not just providing services, but actively changing the systems that often fail young women navigating trauma, instability, or the justice system. "What really drew me in is that girls are at the center of everything we do. Their perspectives shape our work." Stephanie is particularly proud of the Center’s "See the Girl" program in Duval County Public Schools, which works to disrupt the "suspension-to-prison pipeline" by supporting girls through challenging behaviors rather than just pushing them out of the classroom. From anti-trafficking initiatives with their Open Doors team to diversion programs like Teen Court, Stephanie’s work is about making sure fewer girls ever have to see the justice system in the first place.
For her, doing this work inside The Jessie adds a depth that goes beyond a typical office space. She describes the building as a place that reflects the approachable, connected spirit of Jax. "It’s not just office space; it’s a place where you can naturally build relationships," she says. "It places us within this broader system of organizations committed to community impact." When asked to describe The Jessie in one word, she chose Connector. Stephanie sees the building as a living organism that makes her job more effective. "The Jessie doesn't just house organizations, it connects them," she explains. "There have been times when I needed housing services or a literacy program for one of my girls, and I could just hop upstairs or go across the hall. It creates a natural opportunity for shared impact that strengthens the entire community."
We are so honored to have Stephanie and the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center team in our building. Thank you, Stephanie, for being a champion for girls and a vital part of our Jessie family!
