I believe in authentic leadership and the transformative effects of education. I strive to empower leaders to create pathways and enrich the lives of others.
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"It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men.”
Frederick Douglass
Extended Bio
Denise Y. Rupert serves as CEO of the (iCUE) International Center for Urban Excellence and Equity, LLC. The mission of iCUE, LLC is to expand self-awareness and support in providing a thriving culture of inclusive and psychologically sound environments for educational institutions, nonprofits, and other mission driven organizations. Denise is also founder and president of the iCUE Scholar’s Lab, LLC. an early childhood center designed to eliminate the barriers boys of color encounter in a traditional educational setting. In February 2024, Denise hosted the inaugural BE BOLD ™ Conference. BE BOLD ™ is a movement using the science behind mind and body medicine to navigate life by limiting distractions and defining your "WHO".
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As an academician and administrator, Denise brings over 25 years of service in public and nonprofit education sectors. She has an expertise in unearthing implicit biases and identifying strategies to retrain our brains and reshape organizational culture. The focus of her work is shifting the landscape in public education to be more inclusive and supportive for all stakeholders. Denise's strategic approach to leadership development accelerates personal and professional growth.
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Denise has been the keynote speaker at several community and professional events. She has also designed and curated training modules, and mentored educational stakeholders. Denise sojourns with organizations and programs to utilize self-awareness strategies to mitigate the harm of bias and to foster more equitable and inclusive workplace environments.
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Denise received a Bachelor of Arts degree from LeMoyne -Owen College, a Master of Education and Education Specialist Degree from Union University. Denise has also completed doctoral coursework at National University. In 2023, Denise was appointed a Harvard University Equity Fellow where she received a graduate certificate in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging and is currently pursing a master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Denise also serves on several boards and committees serving marginalized communities.