Denisse Roldán-Newell’s Story of Resilience and Community Building - "With You All the Way”
As we take stock of another year marked by challenges and triumphs, the San Diego Housing Federation is proud to launch our end-of-year campaign, “With You All the Way.” This campaign highlights the inspiring stories of our dedicated members, partners, and program participants, showcasing the resilience and strength of our community. Our commitment to supporting those we serve has remained unwavering, whether through providing essential resources, fostering career development, or strengthening the bonds that unite us.
One of the remarkable stories that exemplifies this spirit is that of Denisse Roldán-Newell, the Director of Housing at the Chicano Federation. Denisse's journey, rooted in her upbringing in Tijuana and the South Bay, reflects the essence of community strength and the shared values that drive the San Diego Housing Federation's mission. Growing up as the youngest of four in a single-parent household, she witnessed her mother’s tireless work to support not only their family but also extended relatives, often welcoming them into their two-bedroom apartment. This environment instilled in Denisse a profound sense of empathy, resilience, and a desire to uplift others through her work.
A pivotal moment in Denisse’s life came during her senior year of high school when a devastating fire consumed her family’s condominium. The community’s immediate response—offering hotel stays and shelter in their homes—was a powerful lesson in the importance of community support. It underscored her belief that even in the darkest times, there is light and goodness to be found. This experience fueled her passion for advocating for others and reinforced her understanding that housing is a fundamental need for everyone.
Denisse's professional journey began in the State Capitol, where she served under influential leaders like Speaker of the Assembly Antonio Villaraigosa and Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante. It was during her time in Bustamante’s office that she connected with the San Diego nonprofit community, participating in annual service projects that distributed thousands of frozen turkeys to families in need each Thanksgiving. These experiences solidified her commitment to public service and advocacy.
After moving to Las Vegas, Denisse pivoted into the nonprofit sector, securing her first role as State Advocacy Director for the American Heart Association (AHA). She later transitioned into a development role at the AHA in San Diego, where her passion for community service continued to flourish. After a brief break to focus on her young family, she discovered a new path in real estate, dedicated to helping first-generation homeowners. Her work with the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals saw her advocating for affordable housing solutions and financing tools, empowering hardworking families to achieve the dream of homeownership.
Now, as the Director of Housing at the Chicano Federation, Denisse leverages her diverse background in government relations, nonprofit service, and real estate to make a lasting impact on the community through affordable housing management and advocacy. Recently accepted into the LISC Housing Development Training Institute, she is on the fast track to housing development and aims to expand the Chicano Federation’s portfolio to offer more quality affordable homes to those in need.
Denisse’s journey with the San Diego Housing Federation began with a simple email introduction from her CEO, Liz Ramirez, to Stephen Russell. This connection led her to register for the annual conference, even after registration had closed. From that first encounter, she found a welcoming community that encouraged her to reach out and learn about affordable housing. “The supportive atmosphere at the Federation continues to foster my growth, enabling me to connect with other professionals and share experiences.”
Denisse’s involvement with the Housing Federation has deepened over time, including her recent role as a panelist at the annual conference on Disaster Response. Following the historic floods that displaced hundreds of low-income San Diegans, including 23 households at Delta Street Apartments, she shared her insights on resilience and recovery, reinforcing the belief that even in adversity, there are opportunities for hope and support.
A particularly memorable moment for Denisse occurred during this year’s conference when keynote speaker Jesse Leon shared his powerful story of overcoming childhood trauma. His message resonated with her, shifting her perspective on her work and purpose as a housing provider. Inspired by his words, Denisse reflects daily on how she can create housing that meets the quality of life she would want for her own family.
This commitment to compassion and excellence is at the core of what we strive for at the San Diego Housing Federation. The stories of individuals like Denisse remind us that housing is not merely a structure; it’s a foundation for families to thrive. Each contribution to our “With You All the Way” campaign helps us strengthen the community we’ve built and empowers us to continue creating a more equitable housing landscape for all.
As we celebrate the achievements of the past year and look ahead to the future, we invite you to join us in ensuring that this vital work continues to thrive. Your support is crucial in expanding our impact and securing the future of affordable housing in San Diego. Together, we can make a lasting difference.
Please consider donating to the San Diego Housing Federation today. Your contribution, no matter the size, can transform lives and bring us one step closer to a future where everyone has a place to call home. Let’s continue to be “With You All the Way.”
