Here’s what a few people had to say about working with me...
Thank you does not feel like a strong enough sentiment to express our appreciation for you and the light you bring to every place you go Denise!
VP Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
SalonCentric - Professional Beauty Partners
Kareema Wilson
I wanted to extend my & our sincerest Thank you for presenting the power of Belonging to our Team. It was a truly transformational experience, that left our team synergized with optimism and purposefulness in how we see each other, except each other and create belonging. This lasting impression has cascaded as an energy, that is being actively cultivated and nurtured. The realization that Belonging starts with “You” is the true fuel that was taken away and is now being mobilized within our internal community.
As more and more organizations are seeking ways to create a more inclusive and collaborative environment. I would highly recommend starting with Denise Soler Cox, as the foundation for growth in this aspect.
The energized and sincere manner in which she removes barriers of differences and replaces it with the fact that at some point in each of our lives, we have All felt that we do not belong. With this unlock the connection is made. This connection transforms into how teams engage, collaborate and feel.
This is the foundation for operational greatness.
CEO & Founder of Pipeline
Katica Roy
As a first generation American and a daughter of a refugee and immigrant, there was always this gnawing sense that I didn’t quite fit anywhere. It’s something I couldn’t articulate until hearing Denise speak.
She “gets” cultural dexterity and why it matters. She helped me understand the value of cultural fluency and unlock (what I call) my super power so that I can be of service to others."
Executive Director,
Colorado school nutritionists association
Jodi McKinney
Denise holds a special gift to speak from the heart and leaves everyone in the room feeling a little more love than they walked in with. This love spreads... she gives easily followed, actionable takeaways to help your team
incorporate this feeling of belonging within their communities.
She was an absolute pleasure to work with and the reviews were all 5 stars! I knew from the moment I saw Denise speak at another event that I wanted to have her speak at our conference. Her message of belonging spoke to all levels within our association, from front line on site employees, to central office directors.
The energy, the enthusiasm, was incredible!
Brad Dean
CEO - Discover Puerto Rico
The event overall exceeded the membership’s expectations, and your segment in particular gained the highest rating over the 2-day event!
Matthew Armstrong
Senior HR Talent Programs + Strategy
PNC Bank
I was crying, laughing, holding my hands up in that "preach-it" position...
Jose A. Viana
Senior Education Advisor
Lexia Learning
It was exactly what everyone needed to experience. You are amazing, and in times like these, you are a beacon of light (filled with love, acceptance, and joy). I am truly happy you are, not just here, but nuestra voz! Abrazo grande Prima!!!”
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
I had the privilege and honor of meeting Denise Soler Cox over a year ago at Latino Lead’s LiderCon conference. We watched her award winning short film “Being Eñye” where she shares her story and interviews other Latinos in the US with similar experiences and similar feelings of not belonging. Not Latino enough. Not American enough. We heard her speak about being a first generation Latina and the struggles that come with navigating two worlds. There was not a dry eye in the room.
It was the first time I could relate to a keynote speaker. I felt seen and validated. It took me back to my childhood. I too was born in the US and both of my parents are from MX. Spanish was my first language. I didn’t learn English until we moved to GA when I was in first grade. I remember kids bullying me because I spoke Spanish. I was put in ESL and eventually learned English, yet I still felt like I didn’t belong. Not American enough. I was criticized by my own cousins and aunts in Mexico for mispronouncing words in Spanish and for having bad grammar. I wasn’t Latina enough for them.
Denise is incredibly talented and inspiring. She is a beautiful storyteller and is able to move an audience. I knew that we just had to have her speak at Best Buy to deliver her message about the importance of belonging. And I am so glad that we did. We did the screening and to nobody’s surprise, more waterworks and relatable stories were shared by the audience. We’re barely scratching the surface and we hope to continue to have these types of conversations with Denise at Best Buy.
Jeanette Ruiz
Partners and Events Manager
County of San Diego
Live Well San Diego
Denise connects in way that you truly FEEL something.
VP Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
Performance Food Group
Claudia B. Mills
Denise captivated associates by describing the concept of a tangible sense of belonging. She offered insights and actionable steps, while delivering an energizing and relatable message for anyone seeking to enhance belonging at work, home, or in their community. She’s been our most praised speaker to date.
She seamlessly blended personal anecdotes with thought-provoking insights, making her keynote both relatable and deeply meaningful
Carey Riccitelli
MPH, Director - County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency
Your preparation in learning about the audience and nature of the conference, and your keen ability to read the room, made all the difference.
Sarah Lyman
Executive Director
Alliance Healthcare Foundation
Stephnaie Sadri
Director of Meetings and Events
American Craft Spirits Association
Denise's message is implementable and relatable.
Lexia Learning
Adrienne Pfleiderer
The emotional outpouring made it abundantly clear: Educators are Belonging Crusaders!
Denise’s authenticity, passion, and interactive keynote style was not only a high point for our event, but also an opportunity for our educators to be vulnerable, share their experiences and feel the same kind of emotional support they provide to their students every day. It was a beautiful thing to witness.
Denise has an important story to tell. I love that she tells it with heart and authenticity.
Kris Young Campbell
V.P. SPEAKERS & ENTERTAINMENT
HEROIC PRODUCTIONS
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
VICE PRESIDENT - DE&I, L'ORÉAL
PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS DIVISION
Here's the kicker: her story is relevant to us all (Even me. And I'm not a Latina!). As it turns out, we all need help learning how to think and speak about culture, identity, and what it means to belong."
I have worked with Denise Soler Cox twice now for both a U.S. based audience and global audience, and her message on inclusion and belonging rang true for all participants."
Director, Economic Inclusion
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
Amber Haskell
While we invited Denise to speak to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month and her documentary and personal experiences are rooted in the Latinx/American experience, her message of what it feels like to be an outsider speaks to anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong. Her talks whether in person or virtually are incredibly engaging and she is amazing at sharing stories and anecdotes that are relatable to everyone. Participants left with a greater empathy and a better understanding of how our cultures shapes our perspective and experiences. Denise’s passion, joy, and authenticity shine bright with every word she shares.”
Everyone felt closer together and had a better understanding of where we are heading
Marc Otto
Strengths & Consulting LLC
Live Well San Diego
Denise's film and subsequent presentation provided an opportunity like none other that I've experienced in education, either as a student or professional."
Director of Membership and Outreach
St. Catherine School
Jean Baker
Her message about self-awareness and identity conflict is one that resonates with everyone, regardless of our own "labels." I was especially grateful to receive her encouraging words about running after that big idea that our inner dialogue keeps telling us we're not "<good, smart, important> enough" to pursue. Thank you, Denise, for your illuminating, uplifting and most importantly, real, talk.
She scanned her life and pulled from that great wisdom that she then shared with the world.
Brian Vogt
Denver Botanic Gardens
Denise Soler Cox is one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. Anytime you have the opportunity to hear her speak, I highly suggest it!”
Arlyne Marella
SENIOR GLOBAL PROGRAM MANAGER,
DIVERSITY, INCLUSION + BELONGING
LINKEDIN
Inspiring, humbling, grounding and so full of hope."
Guillermo Vázquez
VSENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER
MICROSOFT
Mae Lin Plummer
Director, IDEA Center
Denver Botanic Gardens
"Denise is so easy to talk to. Put her at the top of your list."
Vice President Education,
Rocky Mountain MPI
Justin Clark
Denise’s delivery is genuine and authentic. Her message, although specific to her experience and those of similar heritage, is universal and speaks to audience members of different backgrounds, genders, etc. Lastly, her message creates surprisingly strong emotional responses.
MPA/HSA, FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
LEAN IN LATINAS
Anna Garcia
If you want someone to bring authenticity, energy, and overall positivity to your conference, Denise Soler Cox is your person!
For a live in-person and high-energy conference, I needed a speaker to not only match this energy but bring the relevant content to the table and Denise Soler Cox did just that and more! She was highly recommended to me and what I experienced first-hand, I see why! She met the goal and then some!
The smiles, nods and tears of audience members during Denise's speaking engagement was an early indication of what the final outcome would be and that was complete satisfaction! Many of the audience members not only felt motivated by Denise but their hearts and minds were fully engaged.
Denise is a courageous and bold Latina who is amazingly likable and relatable. She is a new, refreshing and confident voice for American Latinos.
OFFICE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT (OED) AT THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Mark Madrid
As well, she has emerged a thought leader and influencer on the international stage. Denise is a rare jewel. In my years in nonprofit leadership, Denise stands out as a true leader among leaders. Her energy and enthusiasm; her progressive thinking and her positive persona—on top of her knowledge and skills—make her very distinct indeed. The smiles, nods and tears of audience members during Denise's speaking engagement was an early indication of what the final outcome would be and that was complete satisfaction! Many of the audience members not only felt motivated by Denise but their hearts and minds were fully engaged.
Denise engaged the entire audience.
Liz Wellbrock
Special Projects & Program Management
County of San Diego
Live Well San Diego
I highly recommend her.
Colleen Richards Powell
CHIEF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION OFFICER, AMERICAN TOWER
Denise’s keynote deeply moved the WILD (Women in Leadership Development) Conference attendees.
Amy Humble
CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
DISRUPTION ADVISORS
Her exuberant energy, ability to personally connect with the audience, and willingness to be vulnerable was exactly what we were hoping to provide to the over 500 career women and students who joined us.
I had Denise Soler Cox speak at my previous company and at American Tower. She was terrific and our employees loved her message and delivery.
WOW!!!! I love love love where you took all your previous revelations about yourself and others and combined them into such a significant, impactful and frankly unifying 3 point message.
For non-people of color, what’s the hook to get them to self-reflect on their own biases ? What’s the hook to get them to care to? How about for us? What’s the hook for us to listen to yet another message on what makes us different and worthy? What does it matter anymore if we’re not seeing significant movement in others celebrating those differences? Why did this matter for business?
From your reel, it seems the hook is centered around belonging - but bringing it down to the individual rather than a demographic. (And bringing is THE DEIB hot topic these days). This way we can each (and all) resonate with the message and content unifying us in a common point or experience. (It’s the lack of common experience that I believe keeps people in their corners). I love this!!!
SHRM-SCP, SPHR, HR Business Partner
Zurich North America
Rachel Ochoa
It really does strike a nerve. Very relatable.
John Hardy
Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Team
BEST BUY
Some of the worlds biggest brands have trusted Denise to help insure their people feel valued, seen and like they belong.
