The Nicholas Institute is pleased to announce Emily Burks as the second speaker in our Power Lunch series this semester.
Current Duke students are invited to join a Power Lunch with Emily Burks, chief development officer of Zelestra. Emily will discuss her work, with Q&A to follow; lunch will be provided.
A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE, so please register only if you are committed to attending. If your plans change, please cancel your registration so someone else can take part.
Emily Burks is a seasoned legal and strategic professional with extensive experience in the renewable energy sector. Currently serving as chief development officer at Zelestra, Emily previously held dual roles as vice president of hydrogen projects and vice president of origination and market development at The AES Corporation from January 2022 to April 2025. From September 2014 to January 2022, Emily was the executive vice president and general counsel at Community Energy Inc., leading significant transactions and overseeing legal matters related to utility-scale solar projects. Earlier in her career, Emily worked in various legal capacities in employment and real estate law, and contributed to business development initiatives, while also holding interim academic administrative roles. Emily holds a Juris Doctor from UCLA School of Law and dual bachelor of arts degrees in psychology from Cornell University.
Duke University is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events that encourage all people, including persons living with disabilities, to fully engage in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact nicholasinstitute@duke.edu or 919-660-1793 in advance of your participation or visit. We will do our best to accommodate any requests.
