Educational & Workforce Development
In an era where the lines between education, workforce development, and community building continue to blur, leaders who understand how to connect these dots are more vital than ever. Mayor Stephanie Piko, with over two decades of experience in education and public service, has brought about meaningful progress in Centennial and the surrounding areas by driving innovative educational strategies, fostering strategic partnerships, and championing projects that elevate both individuals and communities.
Laying a Strong Educational Foundation
Before stepping into broader civic leadership roles, Mayor Piko spent 14 years as a teacher and has continued to serve the Cherry Creek School District in various capacities for the past two decades. This experience has shaped her commitment to educational excellence and innovation. Her deep understanding of classroom realities, combined with a passion for community development, positioned her uniquely to connect educational systems with local needs. Rather than seeing schools as isolated institutions, she has worked to ensure they serve as engines for opportunity, preparing students for real-world success beyond graduation.
Forging Strategic Workforce Partnerships
Mayor Piko’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration. She’s played a critical role in fostering partnerships that bridge education with industry and community development. Her support of the Littleton EPIC Campus and her continued collaboration with Cherry Creek Innovation Campus are prime examples of this work.
Additionally, she was instrumental in bringing the Community College of Aurora’s third campus to Centennial—a major milestone in expanding access to higher education in the region. These efforts aren't just about education; they're about creating pipelines for student advancement and economic mobility. By working directly with leaders like Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of Community College of Aurora, she’s championed education access and workforce development that open new doors for students at every stage of their educational journey.
Championing Women’s Sports and Community Investment
Under Mayor Stephanie Piko’s leadership, Centennial is now helping shape the future of women’s sports in the Denver metro region. She played a key role in transforming Centennial’s Potomac Park—a previously underutilized industrial space—into a community hub with a 12,000-seat interim stadium for the new Denver NWSL franchise. Mayor Piko emphasized that the project “will inspire athletes of all ages and strengthen our community’s commitment to excellence, teamwork and opportunity,” highlighting its potential to empower youth and bolster community identity.
Mayor Piko’s support for sports infrastructure not only helps position the region as a national leader in women’s professional athletics, but it also brings more economic opportunity to the businesses and residents in Centennial. The project reflects her commitment to community-driven development and creating spaces that inspire the next generation for years to come.
A Vision Rooted in Connection
Whether it’s inside a classroom, in city council’s chambers, or at the groundbreaking of a new facility, Mayor Piko’s leadership reflects a consistent theme: progress through partnership. Her holistic approach connects educational innovation with community well-being and economic advancement, ensuring that the city of Centennial isn’t just keeping up with the future—it’s helping to shape it.
In a world where communities thrive when education and workforce development go hand in hand, Mayor Stephanie Piko stands as a model for what visionary, community-centered leadership can achieve.
