Our Spotlight series lets us tell the stories of the people who make up the Lions & Tigers community. Bourgogne Kinlaw (she/her) is a project manager, concertgoer, and mother of one. Originally from Chicago, Bourgogne now lives with her family in the Atlanta area. She’s a loyal Chicago foodie but loves what ATL has to offer as well.

ABOUT BOURGOGNE
I was born and raised in Chicago, IL. I love Chicago and never planned on moving until I received a job opportunity in ATL in 2010. That opportunity encouraged me to move, and I’ve been in GA for 12 years now. I live outside of Atlanta with my husband Rodney, daughter Reagan and dog Buddy.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
My background is in business development and partnership management. Over the years, I spent a lot of time strengthening companies’ brands by creating national partnerships with C-level clients to address their training and development needs. I’ve also worked in Partnerships / Program Management roles at Nonprofits, where I developed mutually beneficial partnerships with companies that wanted to implement DE&I initiatives with organizations focused on closing the digital / opportunity divide.

CURRENT ROLE
My current role is Project Manager for Microsoft’s Nonprofit Tech Acceleration for Black and African American Communities Program. I work very closely with the Program lead on multiple projects that ensure the Nonprofits in our community receive the technology, support, and guidance needed to be successful. I also interface with various stakeholders (internally and externally) to ensure projects are completed successfully.

WHY L&T?
Lions & Tigers has connected me with a fantastic team and program at Microsoft, allowing me to gain new skills and work on unique projects. L&T has also helped me navigate life as a new mom. When I joined L&T, my daughter was six months old (during COVID). The flexibility that L&T offered allowed me to be present with my family while gaining new skills while working on high-impact projects with the NTA team.

AREAS OF INTEREST & PASSIONS
Professionally – I love being a connector/bridge builder for people, which has always helped me in all areas of my life because I love listening to people’s wants and needs and identifying potential solutions. Personally, I enjoy doing anything outdoors. Being outdoors is my happy place. Attending concerts and football games with my husband is always fun. We love being around energic crowds. I also enjoy spending time with my close friends and family.

OUTDOOR RECOMMENDATIONS
I enjoy going to Stone Mountain Park. We usually walk around the mountain or hike up/ down the mountain. I also enjoy outdoor R&B concerts. Atlanta has the best outdoor R&B concerts. I’ve probably been to every amphitheater in and around ATL.

BEST FOOD IN ATL?
THIS IS A HARD QUESTION because I was born and raised in Chicago, and Chicago has the best food. However, I am a pizza, steak, and seafood lover 🙂
My Chicago favs – Italian Fiesta and Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab.
ATL – I enjoy Antico and Chops Lobster Bar.

BENEFIT OF HIGH IMPACT, FLEXIBLE WORK
The most significant benefit is that you get to do work you love on your terms. I love knowing that the work I am doing impacts nonprofits and their community. When you are doing high-impact work, it doesn’t feel like work. I get up every day and work on projects that I am excited about because I know it’s changing lives and communities.

ADVICE TO OTHERS
I would say, make the change, even if it’s scary! Work has changed, and many options are available for career seekers who want an outstanding life-work balance. Don’t waste your time or skills working with or for people/companies that drain you mentally and emotionally. Find something that makes you feel good and energizes you. I’ve worked for an emotionally and mentally exhausting organization, and it took a toll on my family and me because I was never happy. Now that I love what I do, I have more time and energy for the people who matter the most (my family and friends).

ADVICE TO MY 2020 SELF
I would tell myself to enjoy every moment and practice gratitude. Before the pandemic, I was exhausted from constantly being busy. I spent a lot of energy trying to be the perfect everything to everyone and not a lot of time being my best self. The pandemic taught me to go with the flow of life, slow down and enjoy where I am.

Interested in joining Lions & Tigers?  Check out our open roles here.