Shadavia Burnett

Advocate Mentor

Shadavia Burnett is a graduate from Atlanta University Centers, Spelman College in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies. From her experience, empowering young people to reach their full potential through mentorship and advocacy has been at the heart of her journey. From training teens to lobby for civil rights at the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU),  to creating inclusive learning environments for hundreds of youth at Spelman Summer Programs, Shadavia has immersed herself in the communities around her and the needs of the people in them. Shadavia believes in the work at RCI because real champions don’t just appear, they’re believed in, invested in, and empowered to see themselves as worthy of every opportunity. Having walked alongside hundreds of young people from courtrooms to classrooms, she knows that when we show up for youth with intentionality and love, we don’t just change individual lives; we raise up champions who will transform entire communities. Joining the Real Champions family in 2025, Shadavia upholds the mission of RCI as well as her own of maintaining dignity and exploring the potential and possibilities of each young person.