Woman empowering woman

Our board of directors is made up of professionals in our community with natural strong character traits such as honesty, integrity and unyielding ethics. Our members are set apart by their innovative ideas, compassion for others, and infectious passion for the mission and vision at Paula’s House.

madonna burkit- president

Blessings to all who visit our website and read our bios!  My name is Madonna Bevington Burkit. I have 4 wonderful adult children and two added children to bless my union with my wonderful husband, Pete. I retired from DTE Energy after 19 years that encompassed technical engineering and capital project planning. As a DTE Energy employee and retiree I was actively involved with our community as a member of the local DTE Energy Monroe Area Task Force as a force for good in this community volunteering, being active with the Chamber of Commerce, and earning many DTE Foundation Grants for local non-profit organizations.  I have an Associate of Science in Environmental Management, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental, Health, and Safety, and also a Master of Science from Madonna University in Humane Studies.  It is my mission to be a Good Steward of the Earth, her inhabitants, and each other in the mighty name of King Jesus!

paula whitman- executive director

maria zagorski - Vice President

Maria Zagorski has been licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan since 1991.  She is a sole practitioner with an office in the City of Monroe.  In addition to her law license, she has a Masters degree in Women's Studies and cares deeply about gender issues and their interplay with justice.  She believes in supporting and contributing to her community and the people in it.  She has two children and resides in Monroe.

Peter burkit - treasurer

Pete Burkit retired from DTE Energy in 2020 after 35 years of service. He is the 2017 winner of the Sarah Sheridan customer service excellence award as member of the DTE Energy, Monroe Area Task Force, Community Service Group and served as the Co-Chair of the Monroe Power Plant Community Service Committee for 25 Yrs. Pete holds a Master Certificate in Commercial Contract Management from Villanova University - 2014, an Associate of Science Degree in Business Admin. from MCCC - 1977 and attended Kirtland Community College and the University of Toledo. He graduated from Houghton Lake H.S. - 1974. In addition to serving on this board, Pete also serves on the Monroe Vineyard Church board and the Fresh Start Coffee House board.

kathy fowler - Secretary

I am an Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics. I mentor and coach women to be their own best version and build successful businesses. I have built a team of 48 women - and earned a Mary Kay Career Car. National recognition for recruiting 2017 and sales 2016, 2017 2018 and 2020. I am acutely aware of the need for women to thrive on their own, independent of another.  My business embraces priorities of serving others with God always first, family second and career third.  I am confident that keeping these in order, and providing Golden Rule service to all I encounter will always allow me to achieve success. I want to carry out my mission of serving women by empowering them!  Serving on the board of directors for  Paula’s House is the perfect vehicle for me to make myself, my talents and gifts to help them grow and become the women God intended them to be!

Jona Feketia

Tina Kern