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Salena Burke

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Founder

Salena Burke is a dedicated scholar and practitioner at the intersection of technology, design, and education, with a focus on personalized learning, equitable design, and advancing technological equity. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Salena's research explores how adaptive learning technologies can empower marginalized students—particularly African American boys—by providing culturally relevant and personalized career exploration opportunities.

Salena holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Loyola University and dual master's degrees in Computer Science and Information Systems from DePaul University. Her interdisciplinary background informs her research, emphasizing how technology and design can address systemic inequities in education and promote career readiness for underserved populations.

As an entrepreneur, Salena has founded three impactful organizations: JIL Software Solutions, Jerome Burke Foundation, and Let Design Innovate. JIL Software Solutions provides innovative software tailored to diverse industries. The Jerome Burke Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering African American boys through scholarships, mentorship, and community programs, fostering opportunities and breaking systemic barriers. Let Design Innovate focuses on design research, creating equitable and inclusive learning environments that leverage technology to amplify student potential.

Salena also conducts workshops for African American boys, teaching them about technology and careers. These workshops aim to inspire and equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate tech-driven industries, explore career paths, and develop skills for the future.

Through her academic research, entrepreneurial ventures, and community engagement, Salena is committed to reimagining learning systems that bridge the gap between education and employment while fostering equity and inclusion. Her work reflects a steadfast commitment to creating tools and environments where every student—regardless of their background—can thrive and realize their unique potential. Salena’s vision is to leverage technology and design to make education a powerful tool for systemic change, ensuring that all students have access to engaging and equitable learning experiences.

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