Denise Diaz is a Queer Latina, a First-Generation Scholar and Practitioner and a Daughter of Immigrants. She was born and raised in Oxnard, California and attended UC Riverside where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. After taking a few years off after undergrad she pursued and received a Masters in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) from the University of San Francisco.

Denise began her work in Education through community activism and youth advocacy work through her many years of involvement with local organizations such as Future Leaders of America and Just Communities. As a result and due to her own identities and lived experiences, she is passionate about supporting first-generation students through an intersectional lens. She has worked at several different institutions in multicultural affairs, student success and student life, including the University of San Francisco, California College of the Arts, and Colorado State University. Through each of her roles, she strives to and is committed to creating equitable spaces where folks can learn, thrive and be their full and authentic selves. She loves making genuine connections with folks and building community. Community is at the core of who she is, where her passion comes from and what she does. Most importantly, she is a Chingona, she is fierce, a mentor and a tenacious scholar of life. When she is not working, you can find Denise near the ocean at the beach (seriously, she spends all her free time near the ocean!:D), hanging out with her pup, Blitzy, checking out local coffee shops with a good book, going on a run (by the beach), listening to podcasts, hanging out with her family and friends and/or traveling!

Fun fact: If you’re into astrology, Denise is a Virgo Sun, Cancer Moon, Sagittarius Rising. What’s your sign?
Stop by the Center anytime to get to know Denise and the team!