Katie Burdon has been named the youngest board member in the history of the Famous 5 Foundation – a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women and girls to lead change with the same boldness and determination as the trailblazing women it’s named after.
Burdon, a Curriculum Design Coordinator for both Yorkville University and Toronto Film School, officially joined the Foundation’s Board of Governors in March 2025 as its new Director of Youth. She’s now helping shape the future of a Foundation rooted in a pivotal moment in Canadian history.
In 1929, the Famous Five – Alberta’s Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, and Irene Parlby – successfully petitioned the Supreme Court of Canada to recognize women as “persons” under the law, allowing them to participate fully in public and political life.
Burdon characterized her connection to the Famous 5 Foundation as a “deeply personal” one.
“My grandmother, a trailblazer in her own right, introduced me to the Foundation and their CEO, Frances Wright, when I was a little girl, although I didn’t become formally involved with the Foundation until my twenties,” she said, noting that it was nonetheless that early introduction that sparked a lifelong admiration for the Foundation’s mission.
“As someone passionate about women’s empowerment, leadership, and human rights, I’ve long admired the impact of the Persons Case and the work the Foundation does to carry that legacy forward.”
Upon starting to volunteering with the Foundation a few years ago, Burdon said she began to derive “so much joy” from contributing to initiatives such as the Pink Teas, which bring together women in leadership with young women across the country, and the Foundation’s annual anniversary celebrations for the Persons Case.
“Eventually, I realized I wanted to take on a more active role where I could help shape the Foundation’s direction and bring youth voices to the forefront,” she said, noting that one topic that’s especially meaningful to her is the exploration of how the Famous Five legacy intersects with queer leadership.
After pitching her overall vision to CEO Frances Wright, and undergoing a rigorous application and interview process, Burdon was officially voted onto the board in March of this year.
“I see my role as Director of Youth as one that bridges generations,” she said. “I view this position as one that creates space for young women and girls to engage in leadership and impactful storytelling, while honouring the legacy of those who came before us.”
That vision includes planning for the upcoming centennial of the Persons Case in 2029 – an opportunity Burdon is already deeply engaged in.
“Inclusivity and outreach are central to my vision for this role,” she said. “As a longtime mentor with Big Sisters, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be when young women are empowered early on. I see a powerful opportunity to connect my volunteer work with the Foundation’s mission so that more young people can see themselves reflected in our work and feel inspired to lead.”
Burdon’s appointment not only marks a generational shift on the board, but also signals the Foundation’s commitment to evolving its message for the next century of changemakers – and Yorkville University is proud to see one of its own helping lead that charge.
