Denise joined WeHOPE in December of 2020 and is responsible for leading the organizations finance and accounting activities. Denise brings over 30 years of expert finance experience having worked in the private, academia, and non-profit sectors.
Prior to joining WeHOPE, Denise was the Director of Administration for EPACENTER in East Palo Alto. As the Director, she was responsible for the finance, accounting, and human resources functions. In the recent past, Denise worked for the John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities at Stanford University where she oversaw grants, gifts and operating funds. She brings expertise in preparing budgets, managing grant and contract proposals, and ensuring compliance with state, federal, and operational policies.
Denise holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management from the University of San Francisco and recently obtained a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Denise, a lifelong East Palo Alto resident, has instilled in her five children the importance of family and community. As founder of the ADAJ Project, a non-profit organization, she is committed in helping underrepresented young adults’ transition into independent living to afford them the opportunity to be self-sufficient, self-motivated, productive and capable to sustain a better quality of life.
