Denise Rosario Adusei believes every child deserves a creative home where they can explore, feel they belong, and imagine new possibilities for their future. As Executive Director of the Bronx Children’s Museum, she has advanced this vision for thousands of children and families across the borough and beyond.

Since stepping into the role in 2023, Denise has led the Museum through a historic milestone: joining New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG). This achievement makes the Bronx Children’s Museum the first Bronx institution in nearly five decades to be welcomed into this circle of cultural anchors.

Under her leadership, the Museum is expanding access to joyful learning through literacy, STEM, and arts programs that reflect the Bronx’s cultural richness. Denise brings over 20 years of experience as a social entrepreneur, educator, nonprofit leader, and children’s book author. She previously founded and directed an early childhood program that prepared more than 1,500 students for success and helped families secure over $10 million in tuition assistance for quality schools.

Her leadership has been recognized with a Congressional honor from Congressman Ritchie Torres and repeated recognition as one of the 100 most influential people in the Bronx. Beyond the Museum, she co-founded initiatives that have supported hundreds of authors, artists and illustrators in children’s publishing, reflecting her lifelong commitment to expanding stories and voices for all children.

Denise holds a B.A. from Brown University and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School. She continues to dedicate her career to building connections between culture, education, and community, ensuring the Bronx Children’s Museum remains a place where children see themselves, discover their potential, and thrive.