Cynthia (Cindy) Burleson
Base
| Name | Cynthia (Cindy) Burleson |
| Sessions | IOAPA, Postgraduate |
| Year(s) at IOA | 2009 |
| Olympic Position | Olympic Scholar |
| Country | United States of America |
Background |
|
| Education | Cynthia (Cindy) Burleson is an educator, researcher and practitioner in international affairs. She works with other members of the Academic Council of the United Nations System (ACUNS) to promote teaching on the work and study of the United Nations, multilateral relations, global governance, and international cooperation to stimulate and support teaching at all levels on UN-related matters. In 1998, Burleson founded the International Sibling Society, which sponsored a series of orphanage studies in Germany, Latvia, Switzerland, Belarus, Bulgaria, France, India, Thailand, China and Japan resulting in the creation of “Painting a Voice,” a collection of over 200 paintings created by children living in orphanages around the world. “Painting a Voice” opened at the United Nations New York City headquarters in January 2005. Today The International Sibling Society continues its work through volunteerism and art-based projects such as photo exhibitions, documentary films, public art installations, lectures & conferences. In 2009, Burleson participated in The International Olympic Academy Postgraduate Session. While there, she presented on the power of reviving antiquitie’s Olympic Truce in modern-day peacekeeping detailing how international sporting events promote peace between countries and peoples worldwide. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies and a Master’s degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in International Relations, Burleson pursued a doctoral degree at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she studied international development, peacekeeping as well as conflict resolution strategies for post-conflict societies. Building on specialized study in political journalism she received at Georgetown University, Burleson published collaboratively with academic colleagues around the world through various international platforms including Rutledge publishing. In 2012 and 2014, Burleson ran for a Congressional seat in the United States House of Representatives. |
| Sports | Cindy Burleson is a lifelong swimmer, but her favorite sport is playing ping pong with IOA colleagues and Olympians in Ancient Olympia. |