Ann Burroughs is a long-time human rights activist and the current Board Chair of Amnesty International USA. Ms. Burroughs became involved with the anti-apartheid movement in the 1980s in her native South Africa.  She was imprisoned numerous times for her work, eventually being charged for treason at the age of 22. Named a Prisoner of Conscience by Amnesty International, she became a successful subject of AI’s Special Action. She joined the organization following her release in 1991 and served in various roles until 1999.

Most recently Ms. Burroughs was Executive Director of the Taproot Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles that mobilizes organizations and professionals to provide pro bono services to improve society.   She is a Partner at Social Sector Partners, an organization focusing on supporting social sector organizations working for a more just and equitable world.

In the words of the HLS community member who nominated her, “Ms. Burroughs’ activism showed us that we must fight injustice no matter our age—wherever we find it, whenever we find it—and that we must never stop.”

Ms. Burroughs was educated in South Africa.