Inspiring and empowering keynotes that help build a culture of belonging so your conference or event is an unforgettable success
Belonging
Crusader
TM
Hi! I’m Denise.
Working with you to create these results is not only my joy, it’s been my entire life’s work.
Not from here. Not from there.
This was my experience growing up as a first-gen Latina in the suburbs of New York CIty.
I never felt Puerto Rican enough and I never felt American enough. I struggled with figuring out where I belonged.
Ni de aqui. Ni de alla is Spanish for….
Photo: Courtesy of Oscar & Associates Photography
Those early experiences led me to become a storyteller for millions of people as I translated my life experiences and curiosity for cultural belonging into an award-winning documentary, Being Eñye.
WATCH FILM
Even though the film’s story is rooted in my experience of being bi-cultural, its heartfelt message of belonging connected deeply with people from every walk of life, and from all corners of the world.
Today, I work with organizations throughout the country, from manufacturing companies with global products, to agencies whose clients want to reach the Latino market, all the way to Fortune 500 companies who want to transform how we think and speak about cultural identity and what it means to belong.
Through keynotes and strategic consulting, we partner together to build organizations where employees and customers alike feel welcome, valued, and an intrinsic part of the whole.
The universal human truth here is that everyone, has or has had their own version of
“Ni de acqui, Ni de alla.”
Their own version of not feeling like they belong.
TAKE A LOOK BACK
The Situation Shapes Our Belonging
As I work with organizations throughout the country, what I constantly hear is a desire to build and nurture a diverse culture where employees, students and customers feel like they belong.
The problem is, even the most well intended companies, schools and organizations are struggling to make this amazing goal a reality.
The hard thing about building a diverse culture that makes people feel they belong is the fact belonging is quite literally a feeling.
Which means even though you’re telling people to “Bring your full self to work”, it won’t work because there are situations causing them to feel like…
I don’t have what it takes to be successful here.
I’m not good enough for this position.
I don’t fit in here.
the language we use when we don't feel like we belong
Shelby Easom
Summit Materials
Women on the rise
"I now believe that belonging means that I am the puzzle piece, and I'll fit where I fit."
Vice President DE&I, L'oreal
Professional Products Division
This was my second time hearing Denise speak and each time her message of belonging and how to create it is fresh, her delivery is authentic and her impact lasts long after she gets off stage.
Erica Roberson-Peters
Words
Kind
THANK YOU, ERICA
Testimonial
More testimonials
So, how are we supposed to build a sense of belonging when we’re dealing with the unpredictable quality of human emotions?
You struggle with employees not being fully engaged because you know that they feel like the organization doesn’t care about them
You're not sure how to make the warm and fuzzy idea of belonging something concrete and practical so you can apply it every day
Attracting and retaining diverse talent has become a big challenge since the pandemic
Are You Experiencing Any Of The Following Frustrations?
This is where Denise comes in...
Denise’s keynote takes the promise of diversity and inclusion and gives it a purpose; belonging.
She not only provides greater understanding of what creates and deepens our experience of belonging, but also provides simple actions we take to amplify the experience of belonging.
Denise creates positive emotional results with her audiences.
Her message is for anyone who has ever questioned if they belonged at work, at home or in their community.
By the end of her keynote, attendees will be able to spot where a greater sense of belonging is needed and be equipped with tools to actively create and cultivate it in their professional and personal lives.
The Magic of Belonging
DEnise's Keynote
This is my
Ben Nauman
Senior Director of Purchasing
National Co+op Grocers
"Hands down the best keynote we have ever had."
Have you ever wondered why despite your best efforts to encourage people to “Bring you full self to work,” your efforts fall flat or simply fail?
The reason why is because of diametrically opposed value systems which creates two conflicting perspectives.
step 2
Total Belonging Trifecta
Identify the Invisible Barriers
There are obvious moments where we know we can create belonging and connection. However, there are not so obvious moments triggering people into belonging uncertainty. As a result, they disengage, because they don’t feel valued and even worse, they quit. Spotting these belonging gaps is the first step in intentionally create belonging.
step 1
Recognize Your Belonging Gaps
Purpose, partnership and possibility, are the heart, bones and muscles of belonging.
When we’re able to discover new ways to incorporate the 3P’s we’re able to transform how people feel, interact and grow in your organization.
step 3
Inject Positive Interdependence
Customized virtual keynotes and workshops that will engage your audience and inspire collaboration.
Virtual Events:
Customized consulting, training and workshops to provide a deeper understanding of how cultural dynamics show up in the way you communicate with your customer that will drive sales and a strong sense of belonging to your brand.
Consulting and Workshops:
Which Option Will Create The Best Results For Your Organization?
Nine years of filming, traveling and speaking with tens of thousands of people has led to a profoundly fresh perspective on how to think about creating authentic belonging so your organization can create meaningful conversations that spark change and growth.
Keynotes:
Compensation Partner
Unidos ERG Communication Pillar Lead
Best Buy
I know Denise says she accidentally fell into being a “Belonging Expert”; however, I think this is her calling. Nobody does this better than Denise. Thank you, Denise, for the important work that you do, for continuing to share your story, and for inspiring many along the way.
Patrcia Hyack
PATRICIA HYACK SAID:
READ FULL TESTIMONIAL
The results
What you can expect from working together:
Understanding how to build an organization where people feel, seen, heard, and safe.
Greater engagement, self-expression, and new ideas from your diverse work environment.
A broader reach and increased sales to global demographics.
Leadership awareness for harnessing the full potential from your teams
book a call
Deeply meaningful message
Powerful delivery
Authenticity in spades
You might have seen me on
