Stephanie Garnica

Stephanie Garnica is the director of global business development at Denver's Economic Development & Opportunity Office. In this role, Stephanie is implementing a strategy for the city to leverage and promote its’ global assets to attract foreign direct investment, increase international trade and elevate Denver’s reputation as a global hub of activity. She brings a wealth of economic development and community leadership experience to the job. Prior to her current position, Garnica was the senior manager of air service development for Denver International Airport (DEN) where she supported efforts to pursue and secure nonstop service from DEN, retain existing air service, and engage in community initiatives that supported aviation and air service. She led efforts to promote and celebrate inaugural flights, commemorate airline anniversaries and make the community aware of the airport’s connectivity.

Prior to the airport, Garnica was the Director of Business Development for the World Trade Center Denver where she organized globally-focused events, taught businesses how to refine their international business practices and led initiatives to grow international trade. Before the World Trade Center Denver, she worked for the Colorado Office Economic Development and International Trade in various roles - all with an international focus. She lived and worked in Central America after graduating college and is fluent in Spanish. She has traveled and worked extensively throughout the Latin American region, Western Europe and parts of Asia. Additional experience includes non-profit work, international logistics, consulting and sales.

Given her deep international experience, Garnica is involved in several globally focused initiatives in the Denver Metro area. She is a Board Member of the World Trade Center Denver and sits on the Advisory Boards of Study Colorado and the Global Affairs Program at the University of Denver’s University College. Garnica received a Master’s Degree in International Business from the University of Colorado at Denver and an undergraduate degree in International Marketing from the University of Colorado at Boulder.