Erica Xavier-Beauvoir
2022-2023 | City of Durham - Office of the City Manager
“Mindfully elevating alternatives for burial rites and land use.”
ERICA XAVIER-BEAUVOIR is a diverse human-centered public servant, storyteller, and community engagement professional with over 15 years of experience in the public safety sector. Creating mindful spaces for data gathering coupled with best practice research, Erica has led projects regarding food equity, criminal justice, and urban design thinking. She gained experience with land use and repurposing urban land to improve functionality in underserved communities. As a Death Doula and natural burial consultant, Erica has first-hand knowledge regarding improving narratives in diverse communities to elevate and educate those seeking burial options. They hold a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, Master’s in Emergency Management, and Doctorate in Metaphysics (nonsecular).
Project
Traditional burials (i.e., with embalming and a large casket) have a negative environmental impact and take up significant space in cities where land supply is limited. As Durham plans the future of its public cemeteries, it seeks to provide residents with burial options that are environmentally sustainable, affordable, space efficient, and culturally appropriate. The FUSE Executive Fellow will identify alternatives to traditional burial that provide equity, dignity, and choice to Durham residents.