2025 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40: Stephanie A. Burke, PMP

• Hometown: Chino Hills, CA
• Alma Mater: UC Irvine 
• How many years have you been in aviation? 4
• What’s one airport that inspires you? Changi Airport

Since joining Denver International Airport in 2021, Stephanie Burke has built the Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) into a national model for workforce development and innovation. Tasked with leading two of the center’s three pillars—Career Pathways and Research & Innovation—she has grown CEEA from a one-person operation into a team delivering more than 30 programs that advance DEN’s Vision 100 plan.

Her impact is evident in tangible results. Through Project Takeoff and DEN Academy, local students are introduced to aviation careers via flight simulators, pilot meet-and-greets, and hands-on summer camps. She expanded DEN’s internship program to include high school students, with 13 interns already converting into full-time roles. Burke also launched LeadershipDEN, the airport’s first leadership development program, ensuring employees have opportunities to grow and take on future leadership roles.

Her vision extends beyond talent pipelines. Under her guidance, CEEA’s Research & Innovation program created DEN’s annual Aviation Megatrends Report, providing insights to inform long-term planning. She also launched DEN New Heights, a transitional employment initiative that has served nearly 300 justice-involved individuals, pairing workforce opportunities with wraparound support to reduce barriers to employment.

For Burke, the most rewarding part of her role is the people behind the programs. “I had the privilege of building our team from the ground up, and watching each member grow and develop innovative programs has been incredibly fulfilling,” she said. Looking forward, she remains focused on building equity, innovation, and opportunity into the fabric of aviation.