Fiona Burke
Washington, D.C.,GA
Summary
Experienced with investigative techniques, case analysis, and data collection. Utilizes critical thinking and research skills to uncover essential information, while understanding when to provide an empathetic listening ear to make clients feel best-supported. Strong understanding of team collaboration and adaptability in investigative processes.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Intern Investigator
D.C. Federal Public Defender
Washington, D.C.
01.2026 - Current
- Conducted thorough investigations to support case preparation and legal strategy development.
- Collaborated with attorneys to gather evidence and witness statements for criminal defense cases.
- Analyzed case files and documentation to identify inconsistencies and potential defenses.
- Prepared detailed reports summarizing findings and recommendations for legal team review.
Diversity and Outreach Initiatives Intern
United States Conference for Catholic Bishops
Washington, DC
05.2024 - Current
- Complete DOI-related tasks for the 2025 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering.
- Conduct research on Diocesan and Archdiocesan offices working on US prison reform, use collected data to compile a "Catholics in Criminal Justice Reform" public database.
- Facilitate review and awarding of DOI annual scholarship for social justice work.
Founder & President
GWU Death Penalty Action
Washington, DC
03.2024 - Current
- Facilitate weekly meetings that facilitate open dialogue on capital punishment
- Work directly with national affiliate to provide members education, access to, and support for families affected by the death penalty.
- Regularly hold execution vigils outside of the Supreme Court
- Work with other student organizations and Law schools in the D.C. area to further foster open dialogue on the criminal justice system
Writer
GWU Justice Journal
Washington, DC
10.2023 - Current
- Lead independent research on topics focused on domestic and international criminal justice.
- Write and publish articles for online publication (see "Solitary Confinement: Isolated in its Approval).
Vice President of Peer Education
GWU Students Against Sexual Assault
Washington, DC
10.2023 - Current
- Lead monthly training with student peers on sexual assault/abuse, relationship dynamics, and healthy conversation surrounding harmful situations.
- Give regular presentations on sexual assault prevention to student organizations.
- Hold weekly listening hours for survivors.
Event planner and Service Volunteer
Fundación Aviva Salamanca
Salamanca, Castilla y Leon, Spain
02.2025 - 05.2025
- Planned and participated in sport-based events for teens and adults with mental and physical discapacities
- Worked with managerial team on designing for accessible methods of transportation to larger, outer-network events
Legislative Intern
Office of Masachusettes State Representative Mary Keefe
Boston, MA
06.2023 - 12.2024
- Conducted projects specializing in higher education in prisons, which included visits to local correctional facilities to improve inmate accessibility to educational resources.
- Met regularly with legislators and staff in the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus to promote and collaborate on prison reform projects.
- Attended committee hearings and briefings on behalf of Rep. Keefe.
- Drafted legislative reports on prison issues facing incarcerated people for Rep. Keefe to file.
Research Intern
Human Rights For Kids
Washington, DC
05.2024 - 09.2024
- Conduct research and outreach programs on people incarcerated in adult facilities for crimes they committed as children, the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that much of this demographic has and continues to face, and the inequities they encounter in prison.
- Use data collected from outreach to Maryland state prison facilities and people serving sentences for crimes they committed as children to write a large statistical report to raise awareness for this demographic and advocate for according legislation.
Intern
Massachusetts Peace Action (MAPA)
Virtual
01.2021 - 04.2024
- Conducted interviews with inmates who have had first-hand experiences with death row, and collaborated with state representatives to increase awareness and education regarding the death penalty and civic advocacy.
Legislative Intern
Office of Massachusetts State Representative Jack Lewis
Boston, MA
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Led independent research projects within the state's legislative records and organized necessary information for the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus members.
- Attended committee hearings and constituent meetings on behalf of Rep. Lewis to record notes for bill briefings.
Education
Political Science and Spanish -
George Washington University
Washington, D.C.05.2026
Law and Society - Hispanic Studies
Oberlin College
Oberlin, OH05.2023
Skills
- Integrity and honesty
- Interview techniques
- Microsoft excels data tracking and analysis
- Research
- Evidence collection
- Legal/Courtroom advocacy
Accomplishments
Data collection, outreach, analysis and writing contributor to the Human Rights for Kids report titled "Disposable Children: The Prevalence of Child Abuse and Trauma Among Children Prosecuted As Adults in Maryland." See here.
Certification
National Seal of Billiteracy
Criminal Justice Changemakers Scholarship
Languages
English
Spanish
Timeline
Intern Investigator
D.C. Federal Public Defender
01.2026 - Current
Event planner and Service Volunteer
Fundación Aviva Salamanca
02.2025 - 05.2025
Diversity and Outreach Initiatives Intern
United States Conference for Catholic Bishops
05.2024 - Current
Research Intern
Human Rights For Kids
05.2024 - 09.2024
Founder & President
GWU Death Penalty Action
03.2024 - Current
Writer
GWU Justice Journal
10.2023 - Current
Vice President of Peer Education
GWU Students Against Sexual Assault
10.2023 - Current
Legislative Intern
Office of Masachusettes State Representative Mary Keefe
06.2023 - 12.2024
Legislative Intern
Office of Massachusetts State Representative Jack Lewis
01.2023 - 04.2023
Intern
Massachusetts Peace Action (MAPA)
01.2021 - 04.2024
Law and Society - Hispanic Studies
Oberlin College
Political Science and Spanish -
George Washington University
Awards
- National Society of Leadership and Success, 2024, Nominated anonymously for university campus leadership recognition
- National Seal of Biliteracy, (2012, 2018, 2022), Granted for fluency in Spanish, presented by the Framingham Public School System
- Criminal Justice Changemaker's Scholarship, 2022, Presented to recognize a student's dedicated ambition to reform a piece of legislation