Blog

My name is Denise Fernandes and was born in Mozambique, a country of rich culture and deep history. At the age of ten, I moved to Portugal—a transition that would introduce me to new languages, customs, and ways of life. My childhood was marked by both wonder and resilience. Portugal became the place where I grew up, where I learned to adapt and persevere in unfamiliar surroundings. But even as I settled there, I knew my journey was far from over.

At 21, I crossed the Atlantic to begin a new chapter in the United States. I arrived as an international student—hopeful, ambitious, and ready to embrace opportunity. I left behind my family, my language, and everything familiar to pursue education and growth. I came seeking knowledge, but what I found was a world that would test me in ways I could never have imagined.

Shortly after arriving in the U.S., I entered a relationship that became a painful chapter in my life. I became a survivor of domestic violence. Abuse is never just physical—it isolates, diminishes, and quietly breaks your spirit. As an immigrant woman with limited resources, I felt isolated. But something inside of me—something deeply rooted in my Mozambican heritage and my Portuguese upbringing—refused to be silenced.

Leaving that marriage was the hardest decision I ever made, but it was also the most freeing. I chose to reclaim my life. I became not just a survivor, but a woman determined to rewrite her story—and to help others do the same.

My healing began through education and service. I poured myself into helping others, especially women and young people facing systemic barriers. I co-founded a nonprofit focused on education . Our mission is simple yet powerful: every child, regardless of background, deserves access to opportunity.

This work led me to the honor of becoming a mentor with the Obama Foundation. Being recognized as a change-maker among a global community of leaders reminded me that our past doesn’t define us—our courage does.

As a member of NJPAC, I’ve seen firsthand how the arts can transform communities. Music, performance, and storytelling bridge divides and offer healing. Through this platform, I’ve helped amplify voices that deserve to be heard.

I’ve also worked alongside the White House Initiative on Advancing Equity in Education, pushing for policies that reflect the needs of underserved students.

For the past three years, I’ve proudly served as President of the Women Economic Forum New Jersey. In this role, I’ve connected with trailblazing women across the globe—leaders who, like me, have transformed adversity into advocacy. We’ve hosted conferences.

My journey—from Mozambique to Portugal to the United States—has not been easy. But each chapter has shaped me. I’ve learned that strength doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it’s the quiet decision to get back up and try again.

Today, I stand as a survivor, an educator, an advocate, and a leader. I use my voice to lift others. I build platforms so the next generation of girls from Mozambique, Portugal, America, or anywhere in the world, knows that they too can rise.

We are not defined by what we’ve endured, but by how we respond. I choose to respond with leadership, love, and purpose.

This is my story—and it’s only the beginning.