Service
Responding to needs with meaningful action
Leadership
Growth through mentorship and connection
Education
Building a foundation for empowerment
Community
Engagement and support for lasting impact
The History of WINGS International Foundation
Wisdom In Navigating Global Service International Foundation (W.I.N.G.S.) grew from a shared commitment to service, leadership, education, and community impact.
The idea for W.I.N.G.S. International Foundation began with a conversation between former State Senator Dwight Bullard and Dr. Keitha D. Burnett about how to advance her lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and service.
That conversation developed into a shared vision among Dr. Burnett and her former students whose lives had been shaped by her guidance, mentorship, and leadership. Together, they created W.I.N.G.S. as a space where purpose, education, mentorship, and meaningful action come together to empower individuals and strengthen communities.
W.I.N.G.S was inspired by Dr. Keitha D. Burnett’s lifelong commitment to empowering students and strengthening communities.
Educator. Author. Community Leader. From founding a school to serve migrant families in Florida City, to developing the Call to Action Symposium for meaningful dialogue and advocacy – Dr. Keitha D. Burnett envisioned a way for her work to continue beyond the classroom. Together with former students, W.I.N.G.S. International Foundation was founded.
Through education, advocacy, leadership development, community engagement, and intergenerational mentorship, W.I.N.G.S. empowers people to discover their purpose, develop their potential, and create positive change. Its work centers on four interconnected areas: education, women’s issues, social-environmental justice, and mental health.
The name reflects the foundation’s belief that every person deserves the opportunity to rise, grow, lead, and serve.
Through education, advocacy, leadership development, community engagement, and intergenerational mentorship, W.I.N.G.S. seeks to help students and community individuals discover their purpose and use their gifts to make a positive difference in the world.
From the beginning, W.I.N.G.S. has focused on four major areas: education, women’s issues, societal and environmental justice, and mental health. These areas represent the foundation’s belief that strong communities are built when people are informed, empowered, supported, and connected.
Today, W.I.N.G.S. International Foundation continues to grow as a movement rooted in legacy, service, and possibility.
It honors the work of those who came before us while preparing the next generation of leaders to carry that work forward. W.I.N.G.S. is more than an organization; it is a commitment to lifting others, creating opportunities, and helping individuals soar with purpose.
Founders, Members & Supporters
Hear from former students whose lives have been shaped by Dr. Keitha D. Burnett’s teaching, guidance, mentorship, and leadership— and learn why they joined W.I.N.G.S. International Foundation.
I joined WINGS because it gives me the opportunity to give back.
Dr. Burnett was instrumental in helping me gain admission to Bethune-Cookman University and secure a full four-year scholarship through the Black History and Cultural Brain Bowl. As an immigrant and first-generation college student, I gained the confidence through Dr. Burnett’s teaching, mentorship, and leadership to move beyond the limitations that society’s biases had placed on me.
Dr. Burnett taught me always to strive for excellence, never to let my circumstances dictate my future, and to use knowledge to create positive change and advocate for those who have no voice. She was the first adult who truly believed in me and supported my educational journey.
Susan Chang, MBA
Miami Carol City Senior High School, 1989
I joined WINGS to support the students from less voiced communities providing the space to enable critical thinking and confidence in their work.
Dr. Burnett had a strong influence in my school experience as she supported the creative and curiosity in learning across multiple disciplines. She promoted excellence in our work, collaboration through regional and state competitions. Her interests in history and collaboration opened my interests across heritage and my work today in historic preservation.
Dr. George Jaramillo
Design and Architecture Senior High School, 1996
I joined WINGS to be a part of a legacy worth sharing and help make an impact in lives.
Dr. Burnett was the director and my civic teacher at the first Charter School in Florida City that she founded: Lawrence Academy Charter School. I was part of the inaugural group in 2006 and her impact in my life changed the trajectory of my future! Coming from an immigrant family she motivated me to be the first generation of my family to go to college and gain my masters degree. She is also a huge part if my life personally now. She still motivates me to seek opportunities that align with my values snd not just my bank account and I am eternally grateful!
Diana Diaz, M.Ed.
Lawrence Academy, 2012
Dr. Burnett advised me and led me to become president of the South Dade NAACP Youth Council and guide the youth in community initiatives.
This is relevant today because Dr. Burnett has kept me connected with the South Dade community through WINGS. I joined WINGS because I wanted an opportunity to continue my community involvement beyond law school.
The various pillars align with my efforts throughout my life as well.
Amber Ree Robinson
Coral Reef Senior High School, 2018
I joined WINGS to expand my activism towards policies to improve the lives in our communities. Also, to help guide the next generations.
As a high school student, to have had a young professional Social Studies teacher was impactful to me as a teenager. It inspired me as a double minority as she was to aspire for higher education. She was proof that it would be possible for me as well. I graduated from a prestigious college as an Architect. As an adult and parent, I found myself becoming an activist. The teacher that I have kept in touch with all these years 30 plus years, has been Dr. Burnett. Her influence on me has helped me become the organizer and leader in my community towards improving the lives of others.
Franzella Guido Chacon
Bachelor of Architecture
Design and Architecture Senior High School, 1994
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