Chris Burton

2025-2026 Obama Foundation USA Leader

Headshot of Chris Burton, 2025-2026 Obama Foundation USA Leader

Director of Leadership Institute, Union Presbyterian Seminary

Richmond, Virginia

Chris Burton is the director of the leadership institute at the Union Presbyterian Seminary, where he runs a continuing education program and a certificate program within the prison ministry for incarcerated youth to develop their leadership skills and prepare them for successful reentry into society. He worked with The Henderson School to create the Remix Project, a hip-hop education course aimed at fostering emotional development in middle school students. Chris aspires to open a school grounded in hip-hop education and social-emotional learning, and he received an innovation grant that he is using towards curriculum creation.

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Leaders

For emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good.

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  • Defending Democracy
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Copenhagen Democracy Summit
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  • Barack Obama
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