Dennise R. is native of downtown San Jose, where she continues to live since childhood. She attended San Jose State where she graduated with a B.A. in English, a minor in Linguistics and a concentration in Justice Studies. After graduation, she made a quick return to school and obtained a paralegal certificate from De Anza College while simultaneously beginning law school. Her studies continue as of now.

Dennise said it best in her law school essay, her pursuit of law and a career in the social justice sector stem from her childhood desire to be a hero. Figuring that a career as a Ghostbuster or Ninja Turtle would probably never happen, she chose the next best thing, to be an advocate for others. She currently works as an immigration paralegal and assists in the family law department at Step Forward. After all, It’s not the cape that makes the hero, it's the individual who advocates for justice!