Denisse Luna was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. She earned her associates degree at Pima Community College then transferred to the University of Arizona to pursue her Bachelorā€™s degree in Public Health. During her time at the University of Arizona, she interned with LIFESTEP within the Psychology Department to provide life skills and training to the underserved school-age youth with at risk emotional and behavioral problems. Denisse has been passionate about making a difference in her community by volunteering with other organizations, including: The PEACE Garden, where her and other colleagueā€™s encouraged young children to become more active, and enhance community wellness and use strength-based approaches to eliminate vandalism and crime. Denisse is currently the Program Coordinator for programs that focus on the underserved communities as well as health disparities that many low-income communities are facing and raising the graduation rates for first generation Latino students. Avanzando Through College a first-generation, Latino students providing them with tools, knowledge and support systems throughout their college experience. Familia Adelante is a program that targets Latino youth, 10-14 years old and their parents to address the rising rates of substance abuse, acculturation trauma, and behavioral health problems.
Entre Mujeres is a program that empowers Latina high school students to recognize their own personal worth and improve their self-confidence by making positive changes within their community.