As a social justice activist, Denisha’s work officially began in 2007 with various organizations such as The Children’s Defense Fund. Through years of dedication and training with youth and servant leadership, she has become a seasoned expert in what it takes to become a change agent. Her passion for the cause extends beyond their own personal advocacy, as she provides workshops and training sessions to educate and empower others.

Her activism reached new heights when she had the honor of working under the legendary Harry Belafonte and Carmen Perez with Gathering for Justice and Justice League NYC. During her time with the group she affectionately calls her “justice family” she was trained in Kingian Nonviolence and participated in the organizing and execution of several successful campaigns, including the Take a Knee Campaign, Justice for Meek Mill, and The Women's March.

Not content with the state of this country and world, she continued to organize marches and rallies, such as The March for Stolen Lives and Looted Dreams, constantly pushing for change and fighting for the liberation of all people. She also used her organizational skills to plan social justice conferences in New York City. Her unwavering commitment to social justice has cemented her reputation as a leader in the community, inspiring others to join the fight for a better world.

In 2023, Denisha Gingles reflects on the accolades she has received over the years and feels immense gratitude towards The Weeksville Heritage Center. In 2017, she was honored as a “Woman of Weeksville”, recognizing her as a leading woman of the next generation in social justice and philanthropy. In 2018, she was also acknowledged as a "leader of the movement" by the New York Urban League. This award recognized Denisha's leadership and commitment to advocating for equity and justice. Most recently, in 2022, Denisha received the Dr. Temple S Lovelace Research Award, which celebrated her contributions to academic research and activism. These awards have been incredible acknowledgments of Denisha's hard work, and she feels immense pride in receiving them.

Take a peek at her some of her most memorable experiences through the years