About

Laura Burke has spent her career pushing back on what education is supposed to look like. Over the years, she has served as a teacher, principal, district leader, and founding principal of Colorado’s first K–8 entrepreneurial public school, Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy. 

At the center of her work is a commitment to helping young people feel seen, heard, and empowered—and a belief that entrepreneurial mindsets aren’t just for business. They’re life skills that prepare students to navigate whatever comes next.

Today, Laura serves as Chief of Innovative Systems & Empowerment at VALE – Venture Academy of Leadership & Entrepreneurship, a Colorado high school reimagining education through real-world learning, student voice, internships, and opportunities for students to connect their passions and strengths to what comes next.

Beyond her work in schools, Laura is a speaker, consultant, author, and podcast host focused on challenging assumptions about education, leadership, and what’s possible. She is also a signed model with Wilhelmina Rocky Mountains—something completely outside the traditional trajectory of an education leader, but very much aligned with her belief in taking risks, challenging expectations, and continuing to try things that are both exciting and a little terrifying.

Laura is also a mom of three, with children ranging from their teens to adulthood, which means she sees education not only through the lens of an educator and leader, but also as a parent.

At the heart of all of her work is a simple belief that if we want to change the world, we start by changing how we show up for kids.