ACTIVATOR.
STORY ADVOCATE.
INCLUSIVE CULTURE BUILDER.
SOCIAL SCIENTIST.
PROFESSOR.
A CREATIVE.
Born and raised in the American South, by phenomenal military parents, I quickly developed a love for people, culture, hugs, the arts, storytelling, and food for the soul. My love for these things have shaped my academic and professional paths, that spans over 15 years.
I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies with a double minor in Dance and African American Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I received a Master of Science degree in Organizational Communication with a minor in Public Affairs from Bowie State University. Lastly, and I will never go back to school again, I received a Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Language, Literacy, and Culture with an emphasis in Interpersonal and Health Communication from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
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While most of my career has been in higher education, I presently serve as the Culture and Organizational Learning Program Manager with the U.S. Department of State. In this role, I consult with senior leaders and their teams on how to build an inclusive organizational culture where colleagues feel safe, seen, and secure. Additionally, I create brave spaces for courageous conversations around difficult topics to take place, as well as other learning experiences that help create environments where everyone can thrive. I am frequently requested to present and facilitate at meetings, trainings, and conferences as a subject matter expert in the field - locally, regionally, and internationally.
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In addition to my full-time work, I am passionate about our voices and stories being tools to collectively heal, advocate, and eradicate many of the challenges communities face. I live this out loud, with great fervor, by providing public speaking coaching and training for youth and adults, and from all walks of life. I do this both in the classroom as an adjunct professor, and in the community. Through this, I design creative, communication-based tools and activities, that often integrate arts-based methods. Most recently, I partnered with the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services in Baltimore City, to do this meaningful work. In recognition of my efforts, I was previously nominated by my colleagues at the University of Florida for the Outstanding Staff Member in Inclusive Excellence in Diversity Award. Additionally, while working with the Truth and Racial Healing Transformation Center at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), I authored its first anti-racism statement. This statement is housed on the Center’s website and continues to facilitate meaningful dialogue on its campus. Earlier this year, I won a Meritorious Honor Award from the U.S. Department of State, for "innovative resource development that strengthens the ability to more effectively address inclusivity in training".
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I continue this work as the founder, creator, and visionary of The Story Work Collaborative + Narrate Blk. I love what I do!
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Lastly, volunteering is dear to my heart. I have held several voluntary executive board positions with the National Communication Association, and I currently volunteer with rehabilitation centers for women in DC as a story circle facilitator.
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PUBLICATIONS:
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Denson, S. (2022). Retrospective Storytelling, Meaning-Making, and Generativity (The Passing Down of Wisdom): Black Intergenerational Stories About Love.
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Denson, S. (2021). It Doesn't Have to Protest: A Review of Black or Right: Anti/Racist Campus Rhetorics. Writers: Craft & Context, (2)2, 36-41.
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