Denver International Airport Elevates Workforce Development Through Leadership

“Leadership isn’t just a role—it’s a skill that can be nurtured at every level of the organization.”

Stephanie Burke, Director, Center of Equity & Excellence in Aviation, and Maria Meleandez, Chief of Staff, receive DEN’s Airport Workforce Development Accreditation from ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin Burke.

At Denver International Airport (DEN), investing in people is central to their long-term vision—and that means developing leaders from within. As a proud participant in the Airport Workforce Development Accreditation program, DEN has earned recognition for its commitment to building the next generation of airport leadership through thoughtful, strategic programming.

DEN’s Career Pathways program is a cornerstone of this approach. Designed to support the airport’s ambitious Vision 100 goal—serving 100 million annual passengers—Career Pathways prepares students through employees in a matriculated approach with the goal of building an aviation talent pipeline. One of the core programs offered is LeadershipDEN which prepares DEN employees for advanced leadership roles in through a comprehensive curriculum. This program features structured leadership competency sessions, peer-led learning experience and innovative capstone projects focused on aviation megatrends. Participants develop the essential competencies and skills needed to excel in leadership positions at  one of the country’s busiest and most forward-looking airports.

But DEN’s workforce development strategy extends beyond its own walls.

Through the Eno AirMAX program, DEN collaborates with other major U.S. airports—including Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD/MDW), and Philadelphia (PHL)—to cultivate a national network of airport professionals dedicated to innovation and leadership. This peer learning model fosters cross-airport collaboration and elevates best practices that benefit the broader aviation community.

DEN’s workforce programs, including DEN Academy (a youth-focused aviation learning experience), demonstrate a full-spectrum commitment to growing talent both inside the airport and throughout the community.

With a bold vision and the programs to match, DEN is setting the standard for leadership in airport workforce development.