# data[].attributes.body
Dr. Denise Herrera is a nationally recognized social change agent with expertise in public health, philanthropy, and culturally responsive program evaluation. Denise has had much success in leading change management and transforming organizations – while infusing equity, diversity, and inclusion into all practices and policies. Denise has devoted much of her academic and philanthropic career to leveling the playing field for underserved populations to receive quality health services and education. Her proudest accomplishment was establishing the “Herrera Internship Endowment” in 2016 – which provides internship and scholarship opportunities for Hispanic students throughout New Mexico.

Denise has managed broad portfolios of federally funded studies, statewide quality improvement efforts, and initiatives focused on improving outcomes for under resourced communities. She has provided programmatic and evaluation expertise on issues related to leadership development, community health, and civic engagement in the U.S. and abroad. Denise has held various leadership positions at three of the largest health foundations in the U.S. (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, St. David’s Foundation, Con Alma Health Foundation). Denise has participated in several yearlong, cohort experiences focused on leadership development for  professionals in philanthropy (Career Pathways Fellow, The Funders Network PLACES Fellow, Culture of Health Leadership Institute for Racial Healing Fellow). She holds faculty appointments with UTHealth (Austin and Houston campuses) and serves on the Boards of the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership and half Helen. Denise completed her BS from the University of New Mexico, MS from the University of Arizona, and PhD in Health Education from the University of Texas-Austin.

# data[].attributes.headline
Questions for Dr. Herrera from Kingsley Iheanacho

# data[].attributes.subject
Questions for Dr. Herrera from Kingsley Iheanacho

# data[].attributes.body
1.     What are the key factors that funding agencies consider when evaluating community health promotion proposals?

2.     What are common mistakes that cause health-related proposals to be rejected?

3.     How can we leverage partnerships to strengthen our case for funding and effectively demonstrate the same in a proposal?

4.     What are best practices for demonstrating cost-effectiveness in community health initiatives?

5.     Are there specific budget items that foundations typically scrutinize more closely?

6. How does non-profit foundations fund their activities and what is the major characteristic that differentiates a for-profit organization from a non-profit organization apart from the categorization?

# data[].attributes.body
1. What skills or tools do you believe are most important for students aspiring to enter into program planning and evaluation careers?

2. How do you define culturally responsive program evaluation, and how has that definition changed throughout your career?

3. Considering the current political climate, how do you think philanthropy will change over the next few years? What should foundations / grantees be preparing for most urgently?

4. The world is on fire and most of us are so tired of living in "unprecedented times." How do you stay focused on the greater mission or what do you when you feel discouraged?

# data[].attributes.body
With so many unknown and swiftly changing variables in our current political environment, what advice do you have for those looking to continue working in areas of community health where funding and support are threatened?

What role has mentoring and coaching played in your success, especially as it relates to your work leadership development? What does “passing the torch” look like in this work?

Overall, I would love to hear your story. What is your “why”.

# data[].attributes.body
What is something that surprised you about community on your journey? -AQ