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.

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?

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”.