Staff & Volunteers
228-435-3113
Penny Burbank, Coalition Organizer
Ms. Burbank has served as Steps Coalition's communication specialist for the past year and provides critical communications and networking for 36 organizational allies through bi-weekly e-newsletters meeting calendars and website updates. It is through these mediums of communications that Steps allies are informed of allies' work and critical, time sensitive advocacy actions. In addition, Ms. Burbank provides administrative support for Steps campaigns and seeks new allies for the coalition. Her expertise includes web based media, graphics and marketing through print and has an interest in communicating through film and video. Prior to her work with Steps, Ms. Burbank worked in the publishing field for ten years with a focus on public policy and has an educational background in architecture and music.
Roberta Avila, Executive Director
Ms. Avila began work as Executive Director of Steps on July 18, 2009. She has worked in the non- profit and social justice sectors on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for 22 years. Her experience includes a focus on women's issues such as affordable child care, non-violence against women and children, and support for teenage parents. Prior to her position with Steps, Ms. Avila served as the Executive Director of the Mississippi Coast Interfaith Disaster Task Force for four and a half years. Under her leadership, the Task Force organized three annual Mental Health Summits and two Katrina Recovery Summits. These events highlighted the dire circumstances of many Katrina survivors and the many obstacles to an equitable and healthy recovery. Prior to becoming Executive Director of Steps, Ms. Avila served as an Instrumental Steps board member, working intensely on the People Before Ports Campaign that fought the diversion of $600 million in federal recovery funds intended for affordable housing, but that instead were misdirected to expanding the Port of Gulfport. Ms. Avila is a founding member of the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center and currently serves on the Mississippi Immigrant Rights Alliance board. She recently was honored with a 2008 Mutual of America Community Partnership Award for her ability to collaborate and build partnerships in the community.