Young Professionals Council (YPC) Member Spotlight: Madeleine Burke

October 9, 2024

Meet Maddie Burke, a dedicated member of St. Anthony’s Young Professionals Council (YPC), whose journey with the organization began in high school and has blossomed into a significant part of her life. Growing up in San Rafael, Maddie was raised in a close-knit Bay Area family with deep Irish Catholic roots. Attending St. Ignatius College Preparatory and later Santa Clara University, Maddie’s values of dignity, respect and giving back were instilled early on. It was during a sophomore retreat with St. Ignatius that she was first introduced to St. Anthony’s, where she volunteered in the Free Clothing Program. This formative experience sparked a connection to the organization’s mission, which resonated deeply with the values she had grown up with.

After graduating from Santa Clara University with a degree in accounting, Maddie worked at Ernst and Young before transitioning to her current role at Salesforce, where she leads the revenue accounting team. A career highlight for her at Salesforce has been the company’s commitment to volunteerism through its 1-1-1 model—a philanthropic approach that dedicates 1% of the company’s equity, 1% of its products, and encourages employees to contribute 1% of their time to the community. Through this model, Maddie has brought her team to volunteer at St. Anthony’s, fostering connections between her work and personal values. “It’s been great to connect people from Salesforce with St. Anthony’s and see how the company supports giving back,” Maddie shares.

As a co-chair of the Young Professionals Council for the past year and a half, Maddie has been a driving force behind various initiatives. She is particularly proud of a recent yoga event, where proceeds were donated to St. Anthony’s, and an upcoming social event aimed at building community and raising funds for the organization. “We have a lot of new energy on the Council, and it’s exciting to see younger members bring fresh ideas,” she says.

Looking ahead, Maddie is eager to continue her involvement with St. Anthony’s, not only through the YPC but also by finding new ways to support the organization’s mission. She envisions expanding her role by encouraging her colleagues at Salesforce to stay engaged with St. Anthony’s.

Volunteering makes me feel more connected to San Francisco. It’s a city I grew up in and love, and giving back makes me feel like I’m contributing to the community in a meaningful way.

When reflecting on the importance of service, Maddie emphasizes that it’s about both personal growth and community impact. “There are so many ways to get involved, and when you find something you’re passionate about, it opens doors to meeting new people and feeling more engaged with the world around you.”

Maddie’s story is a testament to the power of volunteerism and the deep connections that can be made when passion meets purpose. Through her work with the YPC, she is not only making a difference in her community but also inspiring others to join her in building a more compassionate world..