Dr. Denise LaRosa is a dynamic educator and strategic DEI leader with over 15 years of experience in fostering inclusive, mission-driven K–12 learning communities. Currently serving as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at The Ellis School, she leads cross-divisional initiatives that integrate equity into curriculum, policy, and student life. Denise is also a seasoned classroom educator, having taught early childhood through upper school and developed interdisciplinary courses like "Voice & Vision" focused on identity, wellness, and civic engagement. A skilled facilitator and program designer, she cultivates meaningful partnerships, mentors student leaders, and creates spaces of belonging through events like Culture Jam and MLK Day programming. Denise holds a Doctor of Education in Language, Literacy, and Culture from the University of Pittsburgh and is dedicated to advancing equity through collaboration, professional learning, and community engagement.
Culture Jam – A student-led DEI conference now in its 21st year, which I coordinate and expand annually.
Voice & Vision – An interdisciplinary 9th-grade course I designed on identity, equity, and civic engagement.
Community partnerships with The Hear Foundation, 412 Food Rescue, and Will Allen Foundation that support racial equity programming and student learning.
https://www.education.pitt.edu/edd-spotlight-leading-equity-and-justice…
https://www.theellisschool.org/news-detail?pk=1119394 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJE32snwmqU
