Denise Hayes is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and began her career as an educator in the Steel Valley School District in the fall of 1989 where she taught sixth grade Physical Science. Denise quickly discovered her passion for educating our youth. Although she is certified to teach all subjects in kindergarten through sixth grades, she chose to teach fourth and fifth grade Math and Science for the last 10 years of her career.

Denise earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in Elementary Education and Psychology from Carlow University. Trained by NASA in cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh to teach Space Camp, Denise worked her way to become a Lead Teacher of the NASA Space Camp Program, training other teachers in Pittsburgh’s Mon Valley Area. Her love for science and math grew as she continued specialized training with Carnegie Mellon University from which she received a grant to introduce her sixth graders to Robotics. She led her Robotics Club to a regional competition where they won ribbons in three different categories.

After a corporate relocation for her family from Pittsburgh to the Chicago area in 1997, Denise taught fifth grade in the Indian Prairie School District in Naperville, IL. After only her second year teaching in the district, Denise received the Teacher of the Year Award in 2000.

Another corporate relocation would lead Denise’s family to Orlando, FL where their first child was born. As her husband continued to climb the corporate ladder, they relocated back to Pittsburgh where their second child was born. Once the family was settled, Denise began teaching again in the Steel Valley School District in 2001. In 2003, she was recognized by the Pittsburgh Courier as one of the top 50 Most Influential Women. 2006 would present another corporate move to Des Moines, IA. Denise then retired from teaching to focus on raising her children and became an active member of the Des Moines, Iowa Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated serving as the Foundation Chair for 2 years.

In 2009, another career opportunity for her husband prompted a move to Columbus, OH. Denise joined the Columbus Chapter of Jack and Jill, Incorporated where she served as Program Director, Corresponding Secretary, Chair of the fundraising committee, chair of the technology committee and Senior Teen Advisor. As a member of the Twin Rivers Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, she chaired the Services to Youth Facet, where she continued to support the inner-city students through the ACT Boot Camp, career fairs and holiday gift donations at local high schools.

As the President of the Dublin Parents of Black Students Association, she worked effortlessly to promote success for African American students and close the achievement gap in the Dublin City Schools. Denise also served as the Vice President of the Dublin Scioto Music Boosters. In this role, Hayes created budget for the music program, managed the daily operations of the concession stand, organized fundraising events, helped organize band camp and kept parents informed about marching band issues at Dublin Scioto High School.

2019 brought the Hayes family back to Pittsburgh where Denise continues her Links tenure with the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. She currently serves as Co-chair for National Trends and Services, and Co-chair of the Social Committee. Through the various organizations, Denise has made it her purpose in life to always give back to the community. She continually volunteers and participates in events that benefit local charities.

A corporate relocation led Denise, husband Cain and their two children, Matthew and Nena, to Boston. They live in the Waban neighborhood of Needham.