Denise N. Upshaw, MPA

“I’m humbled to play a small part in amplifying the artistry of Black creatives, the same culture that has brought me joy, peace, and inspiration throughout my life.”

Denise N. Upshaw, MPA, is a creator in every dimension of the word. Raised in Oakland, California, she was shaped by the power of community activism through her father and the discipline of purpose-driven living through her mother. She began using visual art and spoken word to express herself early in life, and creativity became both her love language and her lifeline. Years later, after experiencing burnout at the height of a successful criminal justice career, Denise restored her peace and well-being by immersing herself in Houston’s creative community and eventually returning to the canvas herself.

As the Founder and CEO of Black Houston Creatives Network, Denise leads a community-driven ecosystem designed to increase access, visibility, and opportunity for Black creatives. BHCN blends premium experiences, media storytelling, educational programming, and strategic partnerships to create real pathways for collaboration, professional growth, and paid opportunities. Through this work, Denise is committed to protecting culture while building infrastructure, ensuring that Houston’s Black creative brilliance is not only celebrated, but supported with systems that help talent thrive long-term.

Denise’s impact also extends to youth development and community reinvestment. She launched BHCN NextGen to build a pipeline for emerging creatives and young adults through mentorship, training, and exposure to real creative career pathways. With every initiative, Denise remains rooted in purpose, flow, and legacy, living out her favorite Maya Angelou quote: “My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”