Eve Garcia Burnett

With more than 18 years of experience leading global communications and engagement initiatives, I create strategies that foster connection, strengthen communities, and advance mission-driven goals.

I was born and raised in Yakima, Washington, the daughter of migrant workers who instilled in me the transformative power of education and opportunity. As the first person in my family to graduate from college, I have built my career on resilience, curiosity, and a deep commitment to helping organizations create environments where people can thrive.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a focus in Public Relations from Salem State University and a Master of Science in Advertising with a concentration in Digital Marketing from Boston University. My academic journey, combined with more than 18 years of experience in technology, higher education, and global organizations, has shaped my leadership approach: strategic, human-centered, and results-driven.

Throughout my career, I’ve held leadership roles across major global organizations, including Microsoft, Samsung, and Digital River, where I served as Director of Internal Communications. I’ve led global communications strategies, developed leadership and training programs, and built initiatives that strengthen culture, engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

I currently serve in Marketing Communications within the Advancement and University Relations division at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU), where I support strategic communications, donor engagement, stewardship initiatives, institutional storytelling, and advancement campaigns. My work involves collaborating with advancement leaders, alumni, donors, community partners, and university stakeholders to strengthen engagement, build relationships, and advance the institution’s mission and long-term goals.

One of my greatest passions is building inclusive and psychologically safe workplaces. At Digital River, I founded a global “Inclusive Conversations” series that increased employee satisfaction and psychological safety. I also helped launch the company’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council and participated in international mentorship programs supporting women in technology careers.

I am a certified Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrator and completed Cornell University’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certificate program, equipping me with practical frameworks to help organizations foster inclusive leadership, stronger collaboration, and more effective communication.

In addition to my professional work, I currently serve on the board of the Yakima Arts Academy, where I help guide marketing and communications strategy. I am bilingual and bicultural, bringing a unique perspective to organizations seeking to better engage diverse audiences and communities.

I believe that leadership should be both strategic and kind—that organizations perform best when people feel seen, heard, and empowered. I partner with leaders to strengthen communication, develop inclusive leadership practices, and build cultures that drive meaningful advancement results.

Because when leadership leads with clarity and kindness, everything changes.