Denisha Maxey-Estes recently commemorated her first anniversary with her partner, Tee Estes, marking another milestone in her journey of personal growth and new beginnings. Denisha, a woman who has achieved significant evolutionary progress, typically prefers a low profile. However, during Women’s History Month, her narrative serves as a poignant illustration of the ongoing challenges that many women encounter while striving to discover happiness and inner peace.
Employed at the International Better Business Bureau, Denisha actively champions for the rights of women and LGBTQ individuals in the Houston metropolitan area. Beyond her professional and advocacy roles, her story delves into the transformative power of destigmatization in enhancing one’s quality of life, irrespective of the gravity of life’s trials.
At the age of 15, Denisha faced the daunting reality of being pregnant with her first child, eventually becoming a single parent while still in high school. Concurrently grappling with her sexual identity, she confronted the stigma associated with teenage motherhood. Despite the societal pressures, she made the conscious decision to embrace motherhood rather than opt for abortion. While relying on her family for support, Denisha also undertook various jobs to meet the financial demands of raising her children, gradually realizing the immense responsibility that lay ahead.
Reflecting on her experiences, Denisha acknowledges the weight of decision-making at a tender age, recognizing the profound impact of choices on others. She emphasizes the humbling realization that a single decision can alter one’s trajectory significantly.
As a pregnant teenager and a Black woman, Denisha faced heightened risks of maternal mortality. Surviving childbirth, she confronted numerous challenges in establishing a stable life, compounded by social, structural, and political barriers. However, providence intervened through supportive individuals who recognized her latent potential, propelling her towards a path of transformation.
In her early twenties, Denisha secured a job offering health insurance for her family and a viable income to meet their needs. While content with her circumstances, her manager discerned her dedication, work ethic, and innate qualities, fostering her professional growth. This encouragement led to pursuing an undergraduate degree, setting the stage for her subsequent achievement of a Master of Business Administration degree.
Today, as a grandmother with her children’s educational milestones achieved, Denisha stands as a beacon of inspiration for her family. Embracing her role as the family matriarch following her mother’s passing, she imparts wisdom and support to her children, navigating diverse challenges with empathy and understanding.
Beyond her familial commitments, Denisha extends her nurturing ethos to her advocacy work for women and LGBTQ causes, actively engaging with organizations like the Houston Area Women’s Center and serving on The Normal Anomaly Initiative’s board of directors. Through her lived experiences and professional endeavors, she endeavors to uplift and empower marginalized communities.
During Women’s History Month, Denisha’s story exemplifies the unsung heroes whose contributions may not be prominently featured in historical records but are nonetheless instrumental in fostering positive change in society.
As Denisha embarks on a new chapter as a newlywed empty-nester, she reflects on overcoming the shame associated with early motherhood and embracing her past self. By acknowledging and accepting her teenage experiences, she paves the way for a future driven by passion and self-discovery.
Follow Denisha Maxey-Estes on Instagram @msdreamzchaser.