After more than a century of JROTC instructors at McKinley High School, Chief Charletta Burke has broken new ground as the program’s first female instructor.

But what makes her story noteworthy is not just that she is the first woman—it’s the impact she is making on the program and the lives of the cadets today. Chief Burke, who served 20 years, said her path to becoming an instructor at McKinley was guided by a desire to give back: “I want to inspire and show these kids that where they start is not where they’ll finish.”

This message resonated with many cadets, especially Geraldine Acoba (c/o ‘28), who joined JROTC to honor her mother. “I joined because of my mother; I wanted to give her a better life,” Acoba said. “Seeing Chief as a leader really inspired me, and maybe one day I could do the same by leading others the way she led me.”

Burke said that making history as McKinley’s first female instructor is an exciting responsibility. She hopes to do justice to the position. Chief Burke said, “I just want to show girls that we’re still breaking barriers, and when we’re in those spaces, showing up as our true, authentic selves is what makes it so special. If I can do it, you can do it.”

Her example is already impacting young cadets and reshaping the program. Amara Auro (c/o ‘26), McKinley’s current female battalion leader, feels a strong connection to Burke. “For the past few years, the battalion commanders have all been male, so now that I’m commander, I feel super empowered,” said Auro. “At first I didn’t think I’d make it, but looking at other battalions like Farrington, Waipahu, and other schools, they also have female commanders.”

Auro also believes that having Burke at McKinley brings new representation, perspective, and comfort to the women cadets. “Ever since she started working here, it feels like everyone has gained a mother figure.”

Burke says she leads with a servant’s heart and hopes to instill values such as selfless service, integrity, and confidence. She encourages her cadets to embrace who they are and live authentically. “I don’t want them to feel like they have to be a chameleon,” she said. “Be who you are and learn to be confident in that, because somebody needs who you were created to be.”

Chief Burke may have made history as McKinley’s first female instructor, but she is also making history through her contributions to reshaping the program by inspiring cadets and developing future leaders. Looking ahead, Burke plans to provide opportunities for both male and female cadets to build their leadership skills, both on campus and in the community. She hopes to continue raising their confidence and pushing them to believe they can do anything. “I just want them to know that whatever space is available, we can fill it,” she said. “The sky’s the limit.”