I am the Founder/President of G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice, which was established in Loveland, CO in September 2014 to Inform, Impact, and Inspire the Generations to Learn, Lead, and Do Justice Together. G.L.O.B.A.L. is a resource to the local, national, and international organizations and communities on a wide range of justice topics. G.L.O.B.A.L. recently established Micah Place, in the historic Hahn House in downtown Loveland, to serve as “home” to their offices and programs but also as an event space for the community to Connect. Gather. & Celebrate.
I have more than 35 years experience as a human rights advocate and policy professional and nearly 20 years as a college professor. I directed many advocacy and policy organizations and served as a Fellow at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. I hold a BSFS from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and JD from the University of Minnesota Law School.
I regularly serve as an Adjunct Faculty member at Bushnell University, Colorado Christian University, and Trinity Law School. I previously served as a Fellow, Geopolitics/Global Justice at the Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University. I have served as Board Director and Board Chair for Agape International Missions, a leading international anti-human trafficking organization, for 13 years, and also as a Board director for several other advocacy organizations.
I was Founder/Chair, Public Policy Dept & Public Policy Institute at William Jessup University in CA. I served on several school district committees including the TSD Gifted & Talented Advisory Comm, Strategic Planning Committee, and WCMS and TVHS School Accountability Committees.
I also advise many organizations on justice, human rights, leadership, and nonprofit management and is an international commentator and speaker. I was the 2018 Dr. Joan King International Woman of Vision honoree from Colorado Women of Influence, 2017 and 2018 Nominee for the L’Oreal Woman of Worth, and 2019 Nominee for the Martin Luther King, Jr. award in CO.
I was born in Kerala, India, raised in Canada and Minnesota, and spent many years studying and working in Washington, DC. I have also lived and worked in Mississippi, California, and Colorado.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my husband Zack Samuel-Burnett for 22 years. Zack is a Captain for Southwest Airlines and previous Air Force Major. We have three great children — our son is a high school senior, and our twin daughters are 7th grade students. We have a 1-year-old “Shepsky” puppy. We all enjoy a range of Colorado activities — hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding — as well as the arts and supporting a range of justice causes.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My current work at G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice is a combination of experiences from advocacy, education, & policy. I have always enjoyed learning about the world and considering ways to address the world’s concerns. My education, work, and travel experiences have widened that interest. And my work at G.L.O.B.A.L. has deepened my commitment to pursuing human rights and justice worldwide. While it is unfortunate that there are so many injustices in the world, it’s inspiring that many individuals and organizations are making a positive impact for the communities they serve. I love sharing that work and the stories of impact.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My family and I enjoy many restaurants in Loveland, but some of our favorites include Asian Grill, Betta Gumbo, Vatos, Henry’s, Door 222, Cactus Grill, and Loveland Chophouse.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
9 years as of August 2022.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Loveland and surrounding communities have so many great leaders and interesting people. Among the most interesting that I have met is Gitanjali Rao, a 13-year-old scientist and inventor, who she featured at G.L.O.B.A.L’s Women Empowering Women Forum a few years ago. Gitanjali went on to become Time Magazine’s Kid of the Year!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have always wanted to visit South America since I have never been in that region. But since I am originally from India, I also would love to go back there since it has been so many years.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Greatest Showman and LaLaLand — I love musicals and great stories.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Focus on your God-given purpose. Make a plan. Be prepared. But be flexible to respond to opportunities and changes to your plans.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A trip around the world!
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I really like a range of music from the Beatles, BeeGees, The Police, U2, Dave Matthews Band, and more currently One Republic & Lumineers, and locally A Brother’s Fountain.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Micah Place (Hahn House) and the Rialto. Whenever I am at either venue, I think about what things may have been like 100+ years ago when they were established.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Condeleeza Rice — because she is such an inspiration and an amazing leader. Loveland Chophouse.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The range of art — especially public art — and music.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Travelling and extending the work of G.L.O.B.A.L. to many more communities around the US and globe.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
If I had another life, I would be an astronaut!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Switzerland & Austria (though Telluride & Glacier National Park remind me of them)
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
May — my birthday. Christmas. My wedding anniversary in July.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My Kids!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family and my faith in God.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Gardenia and jasmine.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Faith. Love.
