COLORADO KIDS
An Altruistic Heart Priya Burkett creates the change she wishes to see in the world By Jamie McAfee
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WOMEN OFTEN PICK UP AND LEAVE pieces of their identity as they walk through life. They define themselves by careers, children, spouses, friends and family. However, there are some women who always leave their mark in every space they occupy. They are the ones breaking glass ceilings, flipping the status quo and carving out a path for others. They give all they have to their family, their work and their communities. Priya Burkett is one of those women. Loving mother and wife. Devoted philanthropist. Dedicated professional. Burkett’s identity is multifaceted. Her influence has rippled throughout the companies she’s represented. Her kindness is felt in the community she lives in. Her generosity has lifted up those in need. Burkett dedicates her whole self to every endeavor she takes on. Not in the sense that she doesn’t have a work-life balance,
The Details Priya Burkett Director of Business Development, American Express Invest In Kids: iik.org Denver Public Library Friends Foundation: dplfriends.org Denver Public Schools Foundation: dpsfoundation.org Reading Partners: readingpartners.org
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Priya Burkett volunteer reader with students of Dora Moore Denver Public School
because she most certainly does. In fact she prides herself on only committing to projects close to her heart, “I have to be uber-passionate about whatever it is that I’m asking someone’s money or time for. Kids, education and diversity are my top three,” Burkett explains. Experiencing the world at a young age, a global perspective nurtured Burkett’s appreciation for a diverse workplace and schoolhouse. She has lived in Washington DC, Hyderabad India, New York City, and now Denver. Early in her career, she worked for a few multinational consulting companies and traveled the world. Recognizing the importance of diversity in the workplace, Burkett knows exposure must begin at an
COLORADO EXPRESSION OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
early age. “The culture of a company is shaped by their leaders. And if you don’t have experiences with various economic or ethnic cultures as a kid, you can tell this gap exists in others once you hit adulthood.” When she became a mother, she knew she wanted her kids to experience the diversity she did in Washington DC. “I send my kids to school not only to learn but to socialize and understand other cultures. I want them to have diversity in thought and experience,” Burkett explains. Sending her kids to Denver Public School’s Dora Moore, which boasts a rainbow of cultures, Burkett took an interest in tutoring students who were behind academically, “Public schools serve all kids, including kids
