#Thursdaytalks with Denise Riggins of the Design Innovation in Supportive Housing

Denise is a Class of 2027 Emerging Women of Color LeadStrong fellow. She is a Black, queer mother of three, Nana to four and wife whose leadership is grounded in healing, equity, and collective care. With over 15 years of experience in permanent supportive housing, she practices trauma-informed leadership that centers the lived experiences of marginalized Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities impacted by homelessness and systemic harm.

Through her work with Delivering Innovation in Supportive Housing (DISH) , an organization deeply committed to bringing people home, building community, and dreaming big—Denise leads with compassion, accountability, and care for both tenants and staff. She believes leadership is an act of love that creates safety, trust, and belonging.

The LeaderSpring cohort has offered Denise space for deep self-reflection: clarifying how she wants to walk in the world, honoring what she has carried as a Black woman, and releasing what no longer serves her. She has already learned so much through the cohort, strengthening her commitment to leading with wholeness. In these dark and uncertain times, Denise holds fast to the belief that love, healing, and community will prevail.

Learn more about DISH: https://dishsf.org/