Utility Rates and Policy Specialist
Denise brings nearly 20 years of experience in legislative affairs, public affairs, and community engagement, leading complex policy and regulatory initiatives. Her expertise spans environmental policy, air and water quality, and political advocacy, with a focus on navigating politically sensitive environments.
Prior to joining the City of Los Angeles, Denise led public affairs initiatives at the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), the nation’s largest regional air quality regulator. There she directed legislative strategy and managed external affairs teams supporting communications, community engagement, and regulatory compliance.
Before South Coast AQMD, Denise drove legislative and regulatory reform in the water sector as both a lobbyist and a trade association leader. Her work resulted in the expansion of what is now the largest trade association representing small water systems and the establishment of a joint powers authority.
Earlier in her career, she founded and led a political fundraising practice and served as a legislative staffer, experiences that continue to inform her approach to community engagement.
Denise holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, Fullerton. She is an alumna of the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) Leadership Institute.